Police Excavate Midlands Property in Murder Investigation for Missing 60-Year-Old
A Midlands man whose disappearance is now the focus of a murder investigation has been identified as 60-year-old Gary Piatek. He was last seen in April 2024, with no proof of life since that time, prompting a major police operation.
Multiple Arrests Made in Connection with the Case
On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, twelve individuals were arrested in relation to the suspected murder of Mr. Piatek. The arrests include six men aged 61, 43, 34, 33, 25, and 21, along with two women aged 34 and 29, all detained on suspicion of murder. Additionally, a 50-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. All nine of these individuals remain in police custody as the investigation progresses.
Two other men, aged 25 and 23, who were also arrested on suspicion of murder, have been released under investigation while inquiries continue. A 23-year-old woman arrested for the same offence was released from custody on Wednesday, February 11, with no further action taken against her at this stage.
Intensive Search Operation Underway in Leicester
As part of the ongoing investigation, police are carrying out a detailed search at an address on Broad Street in Evington, Leicester. This search involves significant police activity, including specially trained search officers, building machinery, and crime scene investigators. Authorities have confirmed that searches include digging into the ground at the property, indicating a thorough forensic examination.
The police have stated that a substantial amount of activity will persist at this location over the coming days and weeks, underscoring the complexity and scale of the investigation.
Appeal for Information from the Community
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Michael Chandler from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit, emphasized that the investigation is still in its early stages. He appealed to the public for any information regarding Mr. Piatek or the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
"We are continuing to establish the full circumstances of what has happened to Mr. Piatek," said Detective Inspector Chandler. "I am appealing to anyone who has any information in relation to him or in relation to what has happened to him to make contact with us. Those in the community may hold the key to understanding what has occurred."
He acknowledged the challenge of recalling events from nearly two years ago but urged people to come forward with any details, no matter how small they might seem. "I appreciate I am asking people to think back a long time, but anything could help us," he added.
Reassurance and Clarification from Authorities
Detective Inspector Chandler also addressed community concerns, noting that officers remain in the area to offer reassurance and speak with residents. He expressed gratitude for the public's cooperation and support during this investigation.
Importantly, he clarified that this is not a Counter Terrorism policing operation and has no connection to Counter Terrorism, aiming to alleviate any potential fears or misconceptions in the community.
Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting incident number 221 of February 9, 2026, to assist police in their efforts to uncover the truth behind Mr. Piatek's disappearance.
