Allotment search continues in murder investigation

Clare Worden
BBC News, Norfolk
Norfolk Police View of North Lynn Allotments showing a sign saying 'Allotment holders only' and a police vehicle saying 'forensic services'. Norfolk Police
Police started their search of North Lynn allotments on 14 March

Police continue to search at an allotment after the disappearance of a man officers believe has been murdered.

Maris Ile, 54, was reported missing on 23 November, three days after he left his home in King's Lynn, Norfolk, to go to work in Ely, Cambridgeshire.

Four men and a woman who were arrested on suspicion of his murder in King's Lynn, Norwich and Peterborough, have been released on bail until 11 June.

Forensic units, a dog team and specialist officers have been carrying out inquires at North Lynn allotments in King's Lynn.

Norfolk Police A dog in a high-visibility harness is held by a police officer who is covered head to toe in a blue crime scene suit. In the background is a white forensic tent. The dog is looking towards some greenery to the left of the path they are both standing on. Norfolk Police
Specially trained dogs have been deployed in the search

Norfolk Police has described the investigation as a "no body" murder investigation.

Officers said Mr Ile, who was from Latvia, kept in regular contact with his family and has not been heard from since 20 November.

Det Supt Phill Gray, from the Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team, said: "Maris was a seasonal worker in the UK.

"As a result of our inquiries, we believe Maris has come to harm and have therefore taken the unusual step to launch a murder investigation, despite not having found Maris's body."

Officers have appealed to anyone with information about what has happened to Mr Ile, or who saw anything suspicious at North Lynn allotments, to contact them.

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