Manhunt police hold two over murder

Joseph Shann, who would now be 37, disappeared from his sister’s house in the East End Park area of Leeds on December 10, 2010.

Despite repeated attempts to trace him, he has not been seen since.

West Yorkshire Police’s homicide and major enquiry team has now arrested two men, aged 39 and 45, both from the Leeds area, on suspicion of murder.

Following yesterday’s arrests, Detective Chief Inspector Jon Morgan, who is leading the investigation, issued a fresh appeal for information.

He said: “It is now over a year and half since Joseph was last seen.

“Officers have never let up in the search for Joseph but I still need more information.

“I am appealing directly to anyone out there who knows what has happened to him to get in touch.

“If anyone has any information about Joseph, no matter how insignificant you feel it may be, please come forward and speak to us.”

Mr Shann, who was unemployed and lived in Burmantofts in Leeds, vanished after leaving the house of his sister, Tammy, in Ecclesburn Street in East End Park, for a night out.

Earlier in the day he had withdrawn just over £100 from his bank account at a Barclays branch in Leeds to buy Christmas presents for his family.

The account has remained unused since then, despite containing additional funds.

Mr Shann is described as white, around 5ft 6in, slim and with blue eyes.

He speaks with a local accent and has the initials “JS” tattooed on his right shoulder.

Anyone with information about Mr Shann’s disappearance should contact Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111, or contact West Yorkshire Police on its non emergency number, 101.