POLICE have started a murder enquiry after finding a man's body, nine years after he first went missing.

Officers have found the remains of Dariusz Michalowski on land in Mixenden in Calderdale following extensive enquiries.

Mr Michalowski, 44, went missing in Birkby, Huddersfield in 2011, and his death is being treated as murder.

Over the last nine years five men have been arrested in connection with the investigation and were released under investigation.

As time has passed, officers believe someone may now be willing to come forward to help solve the murder of Dariusz Michalowski.

The married father-of-one had come to the UK from Poland to work, leaving his wife and daughter in his home country while he earned a living, and was in regular contact with his family.

He was last seen at his home in Macauly Road in Huddersfield at about 2.30pm on Sunday, March 13, 2011.

Mr Michalowski's family have been informed of the discovery of his remains, and specially trained officers are supporting them through the difficult time.

Detective Chief Inspector Tony Nicholson of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team said: "This is a key breakthrough in the disappearance of Dariusz and I’m glad that after nine long years, we have found his body and can bring him back to his family to be laid to rest.

"Dariusz was a husband and father who was working to provide for a young family who deserve to know what happened to him. 

"His family are now keen to see justice for Dariusz’s Murder and urge anyone with information to come forward.

"We know that there are people out there who know how Dariusz died, who killed him and who dumped his body in a field.

"We have been following positive lines of enquiry for some time now and we have information which I am sure will bring us the answers we need to get justice and closure for Dariusz family.

"We have never given up on finding what happened to Dariusz and I have a dedicated team putting the final pieces of the puzzle together.

"I want to directly appeal to the people who know what happened to Dariusz.

"You should know that we have never given up on finding out what happened to him, and that the net is drawing tighter.  

"You should contact myself now if you have any information that will assist this investigation and Dariusz’s family. If you choose not to do so, please don't be surprised when my team come to you."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police by calling 101 quoting Operation Pavecrest, or to use the live chat facility on the West Yorkshire Police website.

Information can also be passed to independent charity Crimestopper anonymously on 0800 555111.