A shopkeeper from Bradford, who had been missing for five years, has turned himself in to police “safe and well” just days after five arrests were made over his murder, West Yorkshire Police confirmed.
Ismail Ali had been reported missing since 2020 under “suspicious” circumstances, when he disappeared after leaving work at Gulam Food Stores on Cumberland Road at 2.30pm on May 29, 2020.
Mr Ali, who was 46 at the time of his disappearance, was described as bearded, slim and just 4ft 8ins tall. He was wearing a red hooded top, black trousers and dark footwear.
But on Monday, police arrested three women, aged 47, 54 and 55, and two men, 27 and 51, on suspicion of his murder after officers conducted warrants at addresses on Beckside Road and Cumberland Road.
Police said they believed Mr Ali was “no longer alive” and may have been murdered.
Detective Inspector Tom Hilyer said at the time that the arrests were a “significant development in the investigation”, adding: “After extensive inquiries, we now suspect that Ismail Ali is no longer alive and we suspect that he may have been murdered.
“We know as time passes, allegiances change, and any information could be key to getting answers about Mr Ali’s disappearance.”
West Yorkshire Police also confirmed that “large amounts of cash were seized”, with the force confirming they remain on bail for money laundering offences.
Ismail Ali has been missing for five years
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WEST YORKSHIRE POLICE
But, merely three days after the arrests were made, Mr Ali handed himself in to police as if nothing had happened.
A police spokesman said: “Detectives investigating the suspicious disappearance of Bradford Man Ismail Ali in 2020 can confirm that he turned up at a police station yesterday (November 19) reporting to be safe and well.
“Officers are working to understand the full circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
“Mr Ali’s family have been notified that he has been found safe and well and is being safeguarded whilst necessary checks are being made.
“Following the arrests on Monday, house searches were carried out at three properties and a large amount of cash was seized.
“A number of the people who were arrested remain on bail for money laundering offences.
“Enquiries will remain ongoing for some time into the money laundering offences.
“Officers would like to thank members of the public who shared the appeal for Mr Ali.”
Ismail Ali had been missing since May 29, 2020
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WEST YORKSHIRE POLICE
Mr Ali remained a long-term missing person, with his disappearance the subject of regular reviews, the force confirmed.
Councillor Sirferaz Saddiq of The Bradford Independents Group in Great Horton, said: “I welcome the news that Ismail Ali has presented himself safe and well to the police.
“This will be a great relief to his family and to many people across Bradford who have followed this case with concern over the years.
Ismail Ali disappeared after finishing his shift at Gulam Food Stores on Cumberland Road
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“I would like to thank West Yorkshire Police for their continued work and urge that any further updates be shared with the public as appropriate, so that the community remains informed and reassured.
“My thoughts remain with Mr Ali and his loved ones as they now move forward and I will do what I can in my capacity as a councillor to support all residents who have been affected by this situation.
“Our priority must always be safety, transparency and the wellbeing of everyone in our community.”