Paul Duckenfield's murder case explored as mystery remains

The lack of closure for families when losing a loved one in such tragic circumstances can be just as devastating as losing them.

Essex Police says cases are never closed and they are regularly reviewed with the hope of bringing the culprits to justice.

Today we look at the case of Paul Duckenfield, 41, which still hangs over his loved ones’ heads.

Family man - Paul Duckenfield went missing in 2008 (Image: Newsquest)

Paul Duckenfield, who lived with his wife and two children in Portugal, was 41 when he was last seen alive arriving at Stansted Airport on Monday, September 15 2008.

He regularly returned to the UK on business flying from the continent to Stansted or East Midlands and was believed to be involved in dealing steroids used by bodybuilders and athletes.

He was well known in the gym scene in West Midlands, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire areas in particular and also ran a company called International Debt and Security Consultants in Derby.

Mr Duckenfield is believed to have visited gyms and leisure facilities when he visited the Great Saling and Braintree areas.

Appeal - Mr Duckenfield was last seen alive arriving at Stansted Airport (Image: Newsquest)

On the day he was last seen he was picked up from the airport by a business partner he had known for several years.

The last independent sighting of Mr Duckenfield was in the evening of September 15, 2008 at the Palm Trees restaurant in Great Saling.

He had planned to return home to his family on September 19 or 20 by flying from East Midlands Airport to Faro but did not make the flight and has never been seen or heard from since.

Despite the fact Mr Duckenfield's body has never been recovered, detectives believe he was murdered in the Essex area on or around September 16.

Officers also believe the motive for his murder is linked to Paul’s involvement in the supply of steroids.

Last seen - Palm Trees in Great Saling (Image: Google)

Speaking on the ten year anniversary of his disappearance, senior investigating officer Det Con Insp Martin Pasmore, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, issued a fresh appeal.

“Ten years on and life has become no easier for Paul’s wife, children, parents or wider family, they still want answers as to what happened to their loved one.

“Over the last decade loyalties will have changed and people may now feel able to come forward.

“If you know something about Paul’s disappearance or death but haven’t spoken to us, now is the time to take that step, his family don’t want to spend another ten years wondering.

“We do believe there is every possibility that the answer to Paul’s death lies within the criminal fraternity and is linked to his apparent steroid dealing.

Anyone with information should email scd.appeals.essex@esssex.pnn.police.uk or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.