A MURDER inquiry has been launched by Essex Police following the disappearance of a 41-year-old man.Paul Duckenfield who lives in Portimao, Portugal with his wife and family, returned to the UK alone on Monday, September 15, 2008. He hasn t been seen sin

A MURDER inquiry has been launched by Essex Police following the disappearance of a 41-year-old man.

Paul Duckenfield who lives in Portimao, Portugal with his wife and family, returned to the UK alone on Monday, September 15, 2008. He hasn't been seen since.

He arrived at Stansted Airport on an Easy-Jet flight at around 2pm and was due to return to his family on Friday September 9, however he never did and his family have received no contact from him.

Essex police have now taken the lead in the investigation after his wife reported him missing to Derbyshire Constabulary, where he previously lived, and a house in north Essex was searched leading officers to believe that harm may have come to him.

A 46-year-old man from north Essex was arrested on October 16 on suspicion of Mr Duckenfield's murder but has since been released on bail, he remains in custody on other matters.

It is believed that Mr Duckenfield featured in an edition of ITV's The Cook Report entitled Dying to look good which dealt with the issue of the mis-use of steroids. He is believed to be involved in the supply of performance enhancing goods to athletes and body builders.

Police are appealing to Mr Duckenfield to contact them if he is alive and well. A police spokesman said: "If anyone else has had any contact with him since September 15, 2008 then detectives would like to hear from them, and should some harm have befallen him then we want to receive information to find his body.

"We are also asking anyone involved in athletics, body building or gyms, who may have had contact with him over the supply of steroids, to contact us."

Mr Duckenfield is described as being white, 5'8", thin build, with short brown hair and has a tattoo on his right shoulder.

Detective superintendent Tim Wills, of Essex Police major investigation section, is leading the investigation. He said: "The best outcome would be for Paul to contact us and confirm that he is safe and well. I think that is unlikely and that he may no longer be alive. I would urge anyone who has information about Paul's movements since September 15 or any other information that may help us, to contact the investigation team."

Anyone with information should contact the investigation team on 01279 641188 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.