THE HUNT for the body of a man believed to have been murdered in Essex has been placed as a high-profile case on the Crimestoppers website today.

James Hore

THE HUNT for the body of a man believed to have been murdered in Essex has been placed as a high-profile case on the Crimestoppers website today.

Paul Duckenfield lived with his wife, Tracey, and two children in Portugal but returned alone to Stansted Airport on an Easy Jet flight at about 2pm on September 15 last year.

Essex Police have said they are “convinced” the father-of-two was murdered later the same day but have not been able to find a body, leaving the 41-year-old's family in limbo.

He was picked up at the airport by a business partner who had known him for several years and the last independent sighting was later that evening at the Palm Trees restaurant in Great Saling where he was captured on CCTV.

Officers believe the motive for the alleged killing is linked to Mr Duckenfield's involvement in the supply of anabolic steroids used by athletes and body builders.

He once featured in documentary The Cook Report in a 1996 episode called A Body to Die For which exposed the dangers of steroid abuse.

When news of the murder inquiry broke documentary maker Roger Cook told the EADT he remembered Mr Duckenfield being involved with illegal steroids sourced from India.

Detective Superintendent Tim Wills, confirmed last month his officers were looking for a body and did not have any hope of Mr Duckenfield being found alive.

He said: “Despite Paul's apparent steroid dealing he is a much missed father, husband and son.

“We will continue to investigate his murder with vigour and determination until we are able to answer the question as to where his remains are and who is responsible for his murder.

“Already the investigation has uncovered serious crime and I believe his murderers will be associated with these crimes.

“I encourage anybody from whatever section of the community to come forward with any information they may have that may assist us in this investigation.”

And Mrs Duckenfield said: “We all miss Paul greatly and are finding it very hard to come to terms with the fact that he is gone.

“He was a loving husband and father and I appeal for anyone who has any information to pass it on to the police.

“We just need to know what happened to him so that we can try to find some form of closure.”

Anyone with information can contact the investigation team on 01279 641188 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.