River Soar search in Leicester jeweller murder probe

Divers are searching the River Soar in the ongoing murder investigation into the death of Ramniklal Jogiya

Specialist divers are searching part of a river in a murder investigation into the death of a jeweller.

Ramniklal Jogiya, 74, was found dead on Gaulby Lane, in Stoughton, Leicestershire, on Thursday after his family reported him missing.

Police believe he was abducted after leaving his jewellery shop on Belgrave Road, Leicester, the evening before.

Five men, aged 18, 19, 20, 22 and 23, have been arrested on suspicion of kidnap and murder and are in custody.

Live updates and stories from across the East Midlands

Det Ch Insp David Swift-Rollinson said diving teams would be searching the River Soar, near Lutterworth Road, Leicester, for "a large part of the day".

Ramniklal Jogiya's body was found by the roadside after his family reported him missing

Leicestershire Police believe Mr Jogiya was pulled into a white Ford Transit van and have appealed to trace two vehicles and a shopping trolley.

The force said he suffered severe injuries in a "savage and heartbreaking" attack.

A post-mortem examination has been carried out but further tests are being conducted to "absolutely establish the cause of death".

Police believe Ramniklal Jogiya was pulled into the white Transit van as he walked along Brandon Street

The family of Mr Jogiya, who was a married father of three sons and a grandfather, said he was a "great man".

In a statement, they said: "Ramniklal was a loyal, gentle man who was passionate about his family. He was a doting husband, father, grandad, brother and uncle, who loved nothing more than spending time with his family, whether it be sharing food, watching the cricket or catching up with favourite Asian TV serials with his wife.

"Our family has been left devastated. Our close knit family has lost a great man. We keep reliving what happened to him and we're deeply saddened and hurt.

"If you know what happened to Ramniklal we would urge you to contact the police. Nothing can bring him back, but the people responsible need to be caught."