Man Presumed Dead Walks into Police Station Five Years Later
In a stunning turn of events, a Bradford shop worker who vanished five years ago has been found alive and well, just days after police announced they believed he had been murdered. Ismail Ali, who disappeared in 2020, walked into a police station on Wednesday, reporting himself as "safe and well".
Murder Investigation Turns to Mystery
The remarkable development comes after West Yorkshire Police had made a significant breakthrough in the case earlier this week. On Monday, officers arrested five people – three women and two men – on suspicion of Mr Ali's murder. The force had publicly stated they suspected the 46-year-old was "no longer alive" and may have been killed.
Following the arrests, police conducted searches at three properties, during which a large amount of cash was seized. While the murder investigation has now been stood down, a number of those arrested remain on bail for suspected money laundering offences, with inquiries ongoing.
Family Notified After Five-Year Ordeal
In an official statement released on Thursday, West Yorkshire Police confirmed: "Detectives investigating the suspicious disappearance of Bradford man Ismail Ali in 2020 can confirm that he turned up at a police station yesterday reporting to be safe and well."
The statement added that Mr Ali's family have been notified of his safe discovery after years of concern for his welfare. The force confirmed he is being safeguarded while necessary checks are being made, and that officers are working to understand the full circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
According to original reports from 2020, Mr Ali was last seen on Friday 29 May in the shop where he worked in the Lidget Green area of Bradford. He was described as wearing a red hooded top, black trousers and dark footwear at the time.
West Yorkshire Police concluded their statement by thanking members of the public who shared appeals for information about Mr Ali's whereabouts over the past five years.
