Ismail Ali, a man from Bradford who had been missing for five years, walked into a police station claiming to be 'safe and well'. This unexpected development occurred just days after five individuals were arrested on suspicion of his murder.

Ali disappeared on May 29, 2020, after leaving his workplace at Gulam Food Stores in Lidget Green, Yorkshire. His absence prompted a police investigation when he failed to return home. On Monday, police arrested three women, aged 47, 54, and 55, along with two men, aged 27 and 51, in connection with his suspected murder.

However, in a surprising turn of events, Ali entered a police station on November 19, 2023, and identified himself as the missing person. West Yorkshire Police confirmed the news, stating, "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."

Authorities are now working to understand the circumstances surrounding his disappearance. Ali's family has been informed of his return and he is currently being safeguarded while necessary checks are conducted.

Following the arrests, police executed searches at three properties, seizing a significant amount of cash. Several of the arrested individuals remain on bail as investigations into money laundering offences continue.

Detective Inspector Tom Hilyer described the arrests as a "significant development in the investigation into the disappearance of Ismail". He noted that all five suspects were released on bail pending further inquiries after police conducted warrants at addresses on Beckside Road and Cumberland Road.

Initially, police had expressed concerns for Ali's safety, with Hilyer stating, "After extensive inquiries we now suspect that Ismail Ali is no longer alive and we suspect that he may have been murdered." At the time of his disappearance, Ali was 46 years old and was last seen wearing a red hooded top, black trousers, and dark footwear. CCTV footage from the shop where he was last seen was released to aid the investigation.

His family had previously made public appeals for information, describing him as a "polite and religious" man, and expressing their desperation for answers regarding his fate. The police have thanked the public for their assistance in sharing the appeal for Ali's whereabouts.