Five arrested on suspicion of murder after disappearance of Yeovil man

Avon and Somerset Police have confirmed five men have been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with their investigation into the disappearance of a man from Yeovil.

They are treating the case as a murder inquiry as Michael Wheeler hasn't been seen since August 24th - and it was a few weeks later, on September 16th, when serious concerns were raised to officers about his welfare.

Police say they understand he has not been home or had contact with anyone who knows him since that date in August,

Last week, Michael's car was found abandoned in Yeovil - and we understand he hasn't been in touch with family or friends and has missed several regular appointments.

For just over a week now, officers have been trying to trace the 37-year-old in Ham Hill, Stoke sub Hamdon and at addresses in Yeovil and Crewkerne.

There's also been a live public appeal since August 24th.

The investigation into Michael’s disappearance is being led by the Major Crime Investigation Team.

Five men, aged between late-teens and late-30s, are currently in police custody after being arrested on suspicion of murder.

Detective Chief Inspector Lorett Spierenburg is heading the investigation. She 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.”

DCI Spierenburg 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.

You can do that by calling 101, using their online appeals form, or via their anonymous submission form.