The investigation into the disappearance of Mohammed Shah Subhani from Hounslow, is now being treated as murder.

Detective Chief Inspector Noel McHugh from Specialist Crime, said: “On Monday, I had to break the tragic news to his family that Shah’s disappearance is now a murder inquiry. The fact that Shah has been missing for so long, and all proof of life have been negative, is a major factor in our decision. However, as well as Shah being missing, we also have evidence from his white Audi Q3, which we recovered in Camden. Inside this car we found evidence of ballistic damage and everything now indicates that Shah has been unlawfully killed.

“This news is obviously a tragic blow to Shah’s family and has left them distraught. What adds to their anguish is not knowing what has happened to Shah and we continue to appeal for anyone with information to contact police. A £20,000 Met reward is being offered, both for information leading to the whereabouts of Shah and also information leading to the identification, arrest and prosecution of anyone connected with his murder.”

Police were called on Tuesday, 7th May 2019 after 27-year-old Shah failed to return to his home in Hounslow, West London.

His family reported him as missing shortly before midnight, having seen him last at 12:30hrs that same day.

An extensive police enquiry was launched to find Mohammed and there have been numerous appeals for the public’s help.

Shah’s white Audi Q3 [genuine VRM LC67 CXS], was recovered on false plates, L88 EJF, in Camden on Wednesday, 19 June 2019.

At around 18:30hrs, officers were informed that the occupants of a white Audi had been involved in an argument with another group of people on Robert Street, NW1.

The occupants were alleged to have been in possession of weapons.

Officers located the car and an authorised pursuit took place. The Audi collided with a second vehicle before being abandoned; the three occupants fled on foot.

The car was subject to a full forensic investigation.

Four men have been arrested in connection with the investigation.

A 23-year-old-man [A] was arrested on Tuesday, 2nd July 2019 on suspicion of perverting the course of justice, he has been released under investigation.

Two men – aged 22 [B] and 25 [C] – were arrested on Monday, 8th July 2019 on suspicion of murder, kidnap/abduction and perverting the course of justice.

[B] has been bailed to return to police on a date in early August.

[C] has now been released under investigation.

A 20-year-old man [D] was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder, kidnap and perverting the course of justice on Wednesday, 31 July 2019. He was subsequently released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Officers, armed with a search warrant, have also carried out the search of a premises in Brentford on the morning of Friday, 5th July 2019.

Extensive enquiries continue to locate Shah.

Any witnesses to the incident on Robert Street in Camden, or anyone with any information about Shah’s whereabouts is asked to call police on 101, or contact via Twitter @MetCC. Please quote Operation Rockton.

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.