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Michael Wheeler: Five arrested on suspicion of murder amid search for Yeovil man

FIVE men have been arrested on suspicion of murder as police probe the disappearance of Yeovil man, Michael Wheeler.

Serious concerns were raised to police about Michael Wheeler’s welfare on Monday, September 16, with officers believing he has not been home or had contact with anyone who knows him since August 24.

Michael’s car was recovered last week after being found abandoned in Yeovil, he has not been in touch with family or friends, and has missed several regular appointments, police said.

“Since the start of last week, several actions have been undertaken to trace the 37-year-old, but despite this he has not been found,” an Avon & Somerset Police spokesperson said.

“Searches have been carried out in recent days at Ham Hill, Stoke sub Hamdon, and at addresses in Yeovil and Crewkerne, as well as a public appeal for any sightings of Mr Wheeler since August 24.”

Michael’s disappearance is being treated as a murder inquiry, led by the Major Crime Investigation Team, they added.

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

READ MORE: Appeal to find missing Yeovil man Michael Wheeler – not seen since August

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

Officers would still like to hear from anyone with information about Michael’s whereabouts since he was last seen in the Yeovil area on August 24.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5224244891. They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

I am the editor in chief of Blackmore Vale media, which includes the New Blackmore Vale, New Stour & Avon, Salisbury & Avon Gazette and the Purbeck Gazette, having been a reporter for some 20 years. In my spare time, I am a festival lover, with a particular focus on Glastonbury. I live in Somerset with my wife and two children.