Abduction fear over businessman

Mr Al-Hafeed was last seen by his wife on 31 May

Concerns are growing for a Manchester businessman who went missing from his Didsbury home five weeks ago.

Police fear that 37-year-old Sarwar Al-Hafeed, from Wilmslow Road, may have been abducted following a dispute with business associates.

The Iraqi father-of-three was last seen by his wife on the morning of 31 May shortly before he left for work.

Police are keen to trace his car - a blue Ford Escort. Its registration number is P87 RWX.

Detectives believe Mr Al-Hafeed's car may have been spotted on the day he went missing.

It was reported being seen parked next to a white van on Mauldeth Road close to the junction with Parrswood Road.

Police are keen to trace his blue Ford Escort

According to detectives, it is extremely out of character for him to go missing and his bank accounts and mobile phone have remained untouched since his disappearance.

Police officers have revealed that he had been involved in a dispute over money and title deeds to land in Iraq.

He was wearing a blue denim shirt, black canvas trousers and a khaki jacket when he left his home to travel to Ducie Court in Manchester where he works as executive director of Leadstay Housing Association.

Det Supt Ian Foster, from Greater Manchester Police, said: "It is now over a month since Sarwar went missing and we are concerned that we have still not had any contact from anyone who knows where he is.

"Before his disappearance Sarwar had been under some pressure.

'International businessman'

"He is an international businessman and he has been in some dispute with some people abroad.

"There have been no explicit threats, but it is quite clear that the relationship between him and his associates had become rather sour and quite heated.

"It is perfectly possible that Sarwar has gone away of his own accord, although this is extremely out of character for him and his family have been left extremely worried about him."

Police are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen his car parked next to a white van on Mauldeth Road, or any activity around this area, on the day he disappeared.