Murder suspects bailed in 2020 missing man inquiry

Ismail Ali was last seen leaving work at Gulam Food Stores on 29 May 2020

Five people arrested on suspicion of murdering a Bradford man who disappeared five years ago have been bailed.

Ismail Ali was last seen leaving work after a shift at Gulam Food Stores, on Cumberland Road, on the afternoon of 29 May 2020. He was 46 at the time.

On Monday three women, aged 47, 54 and 55, and two men, aged 27 and 51, were arrested on suspicion of murder after officers conducted warrants at addresses on Beckside Road and Cumberland Road.

All five suspects have since been bailed pending further inquiries, a West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said.

Speaking earlier this week, Det Insp Tom Hilyer said the arrests were a "significant development in the investigation into the disappearance of Ismail".

"After extensive inquiries we now suspect that Ismail Ali is no longer alive and we suspect that he may have been murdered," he added.

A police spokesperson urged anyone with information to contact the force.

"We know as time passes allegiances change, any information could be key to getting answers about Mr Ali's disappearance," said Det Insp Hilyer.

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.