Forensics and Met Police officers are combing woodland in a quiet village in connection with the disappearance and suspected murder of a London man.
Detectives investigating the disappearance and murder of Mohammed Shah Subhani – known as ‘Shah’ – from Hounslow have been searching an area of woodland in Hedgerley for around a week.
Shah was reported missing from his West London home on May 7 after he failed to return.
It has only today been revealed why a huge police presence - including officers with specialist search dogs - have been in the quiet village, with the lack of information concerning residents.
Picture by PA Wire
Seven people have been arrested in connection with his disappearance.
Detective Chief Inspector Noel McHugh, from Specialist Crime, who is leading the investigation, said: “I would like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding.
"A large wooded area will have to be searched and may then be subjected to close forensic examination, this may take a considerable time.
"I cannot rule out that the scope of the investigation may also take in other locations in the vicinity, but we will strive to keep any disruption to a minimum.
Picture by Peter Manning
"Shah’s family are being kept informed of all the developments and my thoughts are with them at this painful and distressing time.
“The area that we are searching is fairly isolated and you would probably have to know it existed, as opposed to it being stumbled across.
"I believe that this presents a significant opportunity, as the local community may have seen something suspicious in the area of Hedgerley Lane that we are searching.
"I would ask anyone who uses this area to think back, particularly around the time Shah went missing, and call police if you remember anything that may help.
"Also there are a number of cars we are interested in and if anyone remembers seeing these vehicles in this area, again call police.
"A substantial reward of £20,000 remains on offer for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those involved.
Picture by Peter Manning
“I would urge anyone who can help Shah’s family to call police or Crimestoppers. Those in the know, just imagine the pain your silence is causing Shah’s loving family.”
An extensive police enquiry was launched to find Shah after he was reported missing and there have been numerous appeals for the public’s help.
Shah’s car was recovered with "ballistic damage" on Wednesday, June 19, and this - taken with the circumstances of his disappearance - led to police treating his disappearance as a murder inquiry.
Another development is the recovery on Saturday, August 3, in Hounslow, of a black BMW X5 that was on cloned plates, YC67MFY.
This vehicle had been stolen overnight from Reading Road in Farnborough, Hampshire, on Friday, February 8.
Police are keen to hear from anyone with information about this car’s movements from Tuesday, May 7.
Officers are also keen to hear from anyone who may have information related to a Blue Range Rover Evoque, using false plates MF13 AOT, which was at the corner of Derby Road, at the same time as Shah around 3.20p, on Tuesday, May 7.
Officers know the car later travelled to Ilford on those plates but has not been seen since.
It had a lot of body damage and may have since been passed on.
Anyone with any information about Shah’s disappearance is asked to call police on 101, or contact via Twitter @MetCC. Please quote Operation Rockton.
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