Murder squad detectives have spent more than a week digging in woods in their search for missing 27-year-old Mohammed Shah Subhani.

A police forensic operation has grown steadily over the past 10 days in the countryside around the M40 motorway near Gerrards Cross in Buckinghamshire.

Dozens of Metropolitan Police officers and vehicles have been involved, cordoning off areas of woodland, causing traffic delays and prompting wild rumours about the investigation. They’ve been assisted by more staff from Thames Valley Police.

Until today, Scotland Yard has refused to reveal why the force had launched the extensive search which now covers a vast area. It’s 15 miles from Mr Subhani’s family home in Hounslow, west London.

Detectives believe his body was hidden after he was shot dead during a row over a drug deal in May.

A month later, his abandoned car – with false number plates – was found with evidence that a gun had been fired inside it.

Since then seven men have been arrested in what police say has become a complicated investigation.

Six were questioned on suspicion of murder or conspiracy to murder and kidnap, and another for allegedly perverting the course of justice.

All the suspects, aged between 19 and 25, were released on bail or under investigation.

Mr Subhani had several thousand pounds on him when he vanished and police believe he was involved in low-level drug dealing.

His family haven’t given up hope that he will still be found alive and believe people in their west London community may be too scared to tell police what they know happened to him.

His sister Iqra Subhani said in August: “I know that whoever has taken my brother, it’s not one person. My brother is an 80kg bodybuilder.

“It’s not a one man job, I know a few people are involved and my plea is to the public, if you have heard anything or know anything, then please come forward because you are the only person that’s going to help us find my brother or what could have potentially happened to him.

“Without your help, we’re clueless.”

The Metropolitan Police has announced a £20,000 reward for information leading to Mr Subhani’s whereabouts and the identification, arrest and prosecution of anyone connected with his murder.

Detective Chief Inspector Noel McHugh, from Specialist Crime, who is leading the investigation, said the large wooded area being searched may be subjected to close forensic examination, which “could take considerable time”.

He added: “The area that we are searching is fairly isolated and you would probably have to know it existed, as opposed to it being stumbled across. I believe that this presents a significant opportunity, as the local community may have seen something suspicious in the area of Hedgerley Lane that we are searching.

“I would ask anyone who uses this area to think back, particularly around the time Shah went missing, and call police if you remember anything that may help.”

Detective McHugh continued: “Also there are a number of cars we are interested in and if anyone remembers seeing these vehicles in this area, again call police. A substantial reward of £20,000 remains on offer for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those involved.

“I would urge anyone who can help Shah’s family to call police or Crimestoppers. Those in the know, just imagine the pain your silence is causing Shah’s loving family.”

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