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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Sam Elliott-Gibbs

New clues in search for dad who mysteriously vanished on Valentine's Day 16 years ago

Police says they have new information about a dad who disappeared on Valentine's Day back in 2007.

Family man Sajid Saddique left his home in Bradford, Yorkshire, to attend a business meeting but didn't return home.

He hasn't been seen since - and despite numerous appeals no one has ever been charged with his disappearance.

Since that day 16 years ago, West Yorkshire Police officers have conducted extensive enquiries but have been unable to provide his devastated family with the answers they need.

On the morning of February 14, 2007, Sajid Saddique left his home and hasn't contacted his relatives since that day.

He never returned - and his family still have no answers (West Yorkshire Police)
Police are now acting on new information on the missing car dealer (West Yorkshire Police)

New evidence nine years ago led to a murder investigation being launched by detectives from the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team.

Individuals were arrested on suspicion of killing the car dealer, but the CPS decided no charges would be brought due to a lack of evidence.

The weight of not knowing where he is has proved unbearable for his wife Asma, his three children and his family.

Today, police say the investigation remains open - and new information is being acted on.

Detective Inspector Paul Conroy of the Major Investigation Review Team said: “It has been 16 years since the disappearance of Mr Saddique and we are committed to getting answers and closure for his family.

“The investigation remains open and active lines of enquiries are still being carried out.

“We have received new information in the investigation and are acting on it.

“No matter how long has passed, West Yorkshire Police will never give up on getting answers on what happened to Mr Saddique.

“His children have grown up without ever knowing their father and we are determined to get justice for them and his family and to find the answers they so rightly deserve.

“Mr Saddique was last seen in the car park of the Asda supermarket in Manor Road Shipley at around 10.20am on February 14 in 2007, he was never seen again.

“Our thoughts remain with the family of Mr Saddique as his disappearance has had a devastating impact on them, we remain committed to getting answers for them.”

Detectives are re-appealing for information 16 years after his disappearance (West Yorkshire Police)

In a fresh appeal, Majid Saddique says the fight for answers and his brother's justice continues.

"I am in bits. I sink myself in a hole every year when this time comes around," he said.

"We have had no justice from the CPS, we feel like the case has just been forgotten about. The coroner has already said he is not alive.

"We just want answers now and 16 years have passed, it is not fair that we have not had justice.

He added: "Sajid was a family man. He loved his family and did a lot in the community. He was a hard-working businessman.

“He was my big brother and best mate and my whole life has changed. It’s hard because everywhere I go I remember him.

"He was a humble man and didn't deserve this. Those babies have grown up without a father. We as a family have not rested and we will not until we get answers.

"We just want to refresh people's memories of what happened."

For 16 years, his wife Asma has been left not only to grieve, but to wonder where her husband is.

She told the Mirror in 2020: "I am trying to find peace with what happened, in our faith it is about forgiveness and over time.

"I hoped that maybe whoever is responsible could come forward and give me the information I need, so I can find a resolution and find it in my heart to forgive them.

"The feelings of hate will just consume you and make you bitter.

"I feel let down by the justice system, they have failed my children as they have no closure and they have answers as to what happened on the day in question.

"The police made promises that they would not rest until these people were charged with the murder, however they were empty promises as nothing happened and we are left in a state of limbo."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or use the live chat facility at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/contactus quoting crime ref 13070023311.

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