Yeovil Man Missing, Five Arrested on Suspicion of Murder as Search for Body Continues
The market town of Yeovil is at the center of a potential murder investigation as police search for the remains of a missing man. Five individuals have been arrested on suspicion of murder following the disappearance of Michael Wheeler, 37, whose car was found abandoned in the town.
Concerns were raised over Wheeler's welfare on September 16 after he had not been seen or heard from since August 24. Avon and Somerset Police have confirmed that Wheeler failed to return home, missed appointments, and had no contact with family or friends, prompting fears for his safety. His vehicle was discovered abandoned in Yeovil last week.
Extensive search operations have been carried out in multiple locations, including Ham Hill in Stoke-sub-Hamdon, as well as areas in Yeovil and Crewkerne. As of now, the investigation is being treated as a murder inquiry, led by the Major Crime Investigation Team whilst searches continue for a body or body parts to be linked to the current charges. The searches by police has seen from wooded land to public house toilets as they look for evidence and clues.
Five men, aged between their late teens and late 30s, are currently in custody. Detective Chief Inspector Lorett Spierenburg, who is heading the investigation, spoke about the case, saying, “This is an incredibly difficult time for Michael Wheeler’s family, who are understandably worried and desperate to know what has happened. We are providing them with support and keeping them updated on the investigation.”
DCI Spierenburg confirmed that while the investigation initially kept an open mind, evidence has now led authorities to treat the case as a murder inquiry. Four of the suspects were re-arrested in the past 48 hours, while a fifth man, not previously detained, has also been taken into custody. A sixth individual, arrested last week, remains on police bail.
The investigation continues, with detectives questioning the suspects in an effort to uncover more information about Michael Wheeler’s disappearance and determine if any criminal offenses have occurred.