Remains of 'murdered' young father found in Bucks woodland

In a statement from the scene this afternoon, DCI Noel McHugh, from Met Police, has announced forensics who have been combing an “isolated” wooded area along Hedgerley Road have made the grim discovery. 

The remains - which were forensically identified - are that of missing Hounslow man Mohammed Shah Subhani, 27. 

READ MORE: Eighth person arrested in connection with disappearance and 'murder' of man - police continue to search Bucks woodland

He went missing in May - when his wife was pregnant with their first child - and Met Police have been treating his disappearance as a murder inquiry. 

Specialist search teams and divers have been scouring the quiet wooded area since the beginning of December and it has been confirmed they are expected to remain at the scene for at least three more weeks.

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DCI McHugh said those responsible for Mohammed‘s death would not have expected his remains would ever have been found. 

He said: “Today we can confirm that we have recovered Mohammed Shah Subhani’s remains.

"I met with Shah’s family and I broke this awful news to them, something that I hoped I would never have to do.

"This has been devastating news for Shah’s family at this truly unimaginable time.

"Shah had everything to live for and was loved by everyone; not only was he murdered, he was prevented a decent and dignified burial. 

"I believe that Shah’s discovery is something that his killer(s) were confident would never happen and whilst the worst possible news for his loved ones, it presents a significant springboard for our investigation. I believe this area is known to a small group of people.

"However, as I have said before, we have a substantial amount of land left to search and it is very challenging terrain.

"Officers, police staff and experts have been forced to build bridges and walkways, and divert significant volumes of water. 

“This area is fairly isolated and you would probably have to know it existed, as opposed to it being stumbled across. It is not visible to a passing motorist. But a car parked up would possibly appear out of the norm to locals."

DCI McHugh said there was evidence of spent shotgun cartridges close to the scene but while they are not connected to Shah's death, police are keen to speak to people who use the area - particularly on or after May 7.

He added: “This is painstaking and complex work as we search for evidence and we are likely to be here for several more weeks while we complete this important task.

"I am so grateful to the local community who have been so understanding and supportive of the police operation.

"I do apologise for the inconvenience that you are experiencing. We will continue to strive to keep disruption to a minimum."

DCI McHugh has also revealed for the first time that a key suspect vehicle - the black BMW X5 on cloned plates of YC67 MFY - was seen in the Hedgerley Lane area in the days after Shah disappeared on Friday, May 7, this year.

The vehicle, which had been stolen overnight from Reading Road in Farnborough, Hampshire on Friday, February 8, was recovered by police on Tuesday, August 3, in Hounslow.