FIVE men have been arrested on suspicion of murder after 37-year-old Michael Wheeler went missing from Yeovil a month ago.

Police have arrested five men, aged between late teens and late 30s, in connection with Michael's disappearance. He was last seen on Saturday, August 24, and has not been heard from since.

Michael's family are "incredibly worried and desperate to know what has happened to him", and the force has said it is "keeping an open mind over what has happened to Michael".

Serious concerns for Michael's welfare were raised on Monday, September 16. His car was recovered after being found abandoned in Yeovil.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: "Five men have been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with our investigation into the disappearance of a man from Yeovil.

"Michael Wheeler, 37, has not been seen or heard from since Saturday 24 August.

"Despite searches and a public appeal for sightings, he has not been found.

"Five men, aged between late-teens and late-30s, are currently in police custody after being arrested on suspicion of murder."

DCI Lorett Spierenburg said: "This is an incredibly difficult time for Michael Wheeler's family, who understandably are incredibly worried and desperate to know what has happened to him.

"We are providing them with support through a specially-trained officer and we’re keeping them updated on the status of our investigation.

"We have been keeping an open mind over what has happened to Michael, who has now not been seen for a month, but we can confirm this is being treated as a murder inquiry.

“We recognise the news of this significant development in our investigation is likely to cause concern among the local community.

“We’d like to reassure people there is no evidence of there being any increased risk to public safety, but would encourage anyone with concerns to speak to local officers.”

The force added: "Anyone with information that could help us in our inquiries is asked to please call 101 ref 5224244891."