Police have arrested five people after Michael Wheeler, from Yeovil, had not been seen or heard from since August 24. His car was found abandoned last week
Five people have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man went missing and his car was found abandoned.
Police were alerted to serious concerns over the welfare of Michael Wheeler, from Yeovil, on September 16. It’s understood by Avon and Somerset Police that since August 24, he has not returned home or been in communication with any family or friends while his vehicle was found abandoned last week in Yeovil.
The 37-year-old also missed appointments and efforts have been made to locate him since the beginning of last week, but so far he has not been found.
Recent search operations took place at Ham Hill in Stoke sub Hamdon and locations in Yeovil and Crewkerne. Michael’s disappearance is now being treated as a murder investigation by the Major Crime Investigation Team. At present, five males, whose ages range from late teens to late 30s, are held in custody on suspicion of murder charges. Detective Chief Inspector Lorett Spierenburg is directing this inquiry, reported SomersetLive.
DCI Spierenburg said: “This is an incredibly difficult time for Michael Wheeler’s family, who understandably are incredibly worried and desperate to know what has happened to him. We are providing them with support through a specially-trained officer and we’re keeping them updated on the status of our investigation.
“We have been keeping an open mind over what has happened to Michael, who has now not been seen for a month, but we can confirm this is being treated as a murder inquiry. Arrests were made last week to enable us to question several individuals while under caution to understand if they knew anything that could help us locate Michael.
“We will always be evidence-led in our investigation and having obtained more information during the course of our enquiries, four of those individuals have been re-arrested on suspicion of murder over the past 48 hours. A fifth man, who was not arrested last week, has also been taken into custody. Detectives will be questioning all five men as part of our ongoing efforts to establish what has happened and whether any criminal offences have occurred. A sixth man, arrested last week, remains on police bail.”
He added: “We recognise the news of this significant development in our investigation is likely to cause concern among the local community. We’d like to reassure people there is no evidence of there being any increased risk to public safety, but would encourage anyone with concerns to speak to local officers.”
Police say they would still like to hear from anyone with information about Michael’s whereabouts since he was last seen in the Yeovil area on 24 August. If you can help, please call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5224244891, or complete the online appeals form.
You can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their Anonymous Online Form. No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not go to court or have to speak to police when contacting Crimestoppers.