Man's disappearance sparks murder probe
9:07am Wednesday 22nd October 2008 in Where I Live
Paul Duckenfield (c)
A MURDER investigation has been launched following the disappearance of man who has not been seen since he arrived on a flight at Stansted Airport more than a month ago.
Paul Duckenfield, 41, who lives in Portimao, in Portugal, with his wife and family, returned alone to the UK on Monday, September 15, arriving at Stansted Airport on an Easy-Jet flight at about 2pm.
Police say there have been no confirmed sightings of Mr Duckenfield since then. He was due to return to Portugal on Friday, September 19, but failed to do so. He has not been in touch with his family. He has contacts across the country.
His wife reported him missing and police in Derbyshire, where he previously lived, began enquiries to trace him. During their enquiries they executed a search warrant at a house in north Essex which they believed Mr Duckenfield may have visited.
Essex Police has now taken the lead in the investigations but are working closely with their Derbyshire colleagues.
A police spokesman said: “There are now grave concerns that some harm may have come to him.”
A 46-year-old north Essex man arrested on October 16 on suspicion of Mr Duckenfield’s murder has been released on bail, but remains in custody on other matters, a police spokesman said.
It is believed that Paul Duckenfield featured in an edition of ‘The Cook Report’ entitled ‘Dying to look good’ and dealt with the issue of the mis-use of steroids. He is believed to be involved in the supply of steroids to athletes and body builders.
Police are appealing to Mr Duckenfield to contact them if he is alive and well. Police also want to speak to anyone who has had a confirmed contact with him since September 15. The spokesman added: “Should some harm have befallen him then they want to receive information to find his body. They are also asking anyone involved in athletics, body building or gyms, who may have had contact with Paul Duckenfield over the supply of steroids, to contact them.”
Mr Duckenfield is white, 5ft 8ins tall, of thin build with short brown hair with a tattoo on his right shoulder.
Detective Superintendent Tim Wills, of Essex Police’s major investigation section - who is leading the investigation - said: “The best outcome would be for Paul Duckenfield to contact us and confirm that he is safe and well. I think that is unlikely and that he may no longer be alive. I would urge anyone who has information about Paul’s movements since September 15 or other information that may help us, to contact the investigation team.”
Anyone with information should ring the investigation team on 01279 641188 or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.
