POLICE have launched a murder inquiry after the disappearance of a man who is believed to supply steroids to the bodybuilding industry.

James Hore

POLICE have launched a murder inquiry after the disappearance of a man who is believed to supply steroids to the bodybuilding industry.

A man from north Essex has been arrested on suspicion of killing Paul Duckenfield, who once featured in television show The Cook Report entitled 'Dying to look good' which dealt with the issue of the misuse of steroids.

Mr Duckenfield, lives in Portimao, Portugal with his wife and family but returned alone to Stansted Airport on an Easy-Jet flight around 2pm on September 15.

The 41-year-old has not been in touch with his family since and there have been no confirmed sightings since and police fear that he may have been killed.

Essex Police said he is believed to be involved in the supply of steroids to athletes and body builders.

Mr Duckenfield had been due to return to Portugal on September 19 and has had no contact with family or friends.

His wife reported him missing and Derbyshire Constabulary, where he previously lived, began enquiries to trace him.

They executed a search warrant at a house in Great Saling, near Braintree, which they believed Mr Duckenfield may have visited.

Essex Police have now taken over the investigation to trace him but said today they have “grave concerns that some harm” may have come to him.

A 46-year-old man from the Braintree area was arrested last week on suspicion of Mr Duckenfield's murder.

He has since been released on bail, but remains in custody on other matters..

However, detectives are still appealing to him if he is alive and well.

Det. Supt. Tim Wills, of Essex Police's Major Investigation Section, said: “The best outcome would be for Paul Duckenfield to contact us and confirm that he 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 other information that may help us, to contact the investigation team.”

A spokeswoman said: “If anyone else has had a confirmed contact with Paul Duckenfield since September 15, 2008 then detectives would like to hear from them.

“Should some harm have befallen him then they want to receive information to find his body.

“They are also asking anyone involved in athletics, body building or gyms, who may have had contact with Paul Duckenfield over the supply of steroids, to contact them.”

Mr Duckenfield is white, 5ft 8ins, thin-build with short brown hair. He has a tattoo on his right shoulder.

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