Five people have been arrested on suspicion of murder of an Ely factory worker following his disappearance what police are calling a highly sensitive and complex investigation.
The arrests, made simultaneously yesterday morning (Tuesday 11 March 2025) at multiple locations, are a significant development in the inquiry into the fate of 54-year-old Maris Ile, a Latvian national who lived in King’s Lynn and worked in Ely.
Detective Superintendent Phill Gray, from the Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team, underscored the gravity of the case, stating: “Maris was a seasonal worker in the UK and had quite a structured life, keeping in regular contact with his family in Latvia.
“No one has seen or heard from Maris since 20 November when he left his address in King’s Lynn to go to work, but he never arrived.
“As a result of our enquiries, we believe Maris has come to harm and have therefore taken the unusual step to launch a murder investigation, despite not having found Maris’ body.
“Yesterday, we arrested five people in connection with his murder. These suspects will now be questioned by detectives to understand the circumstances of his disappearance.
“Our work has involved some sensitive enquiries, which is why we’re only now publicly confirming the launch of this investigation.”
The suspects, who have been taken into custody for questioning, include:
- A man in his 20s arrested in Peterborough
- A man in his 30s arrested in Norwich
- A man in his 40s arrested in Norwich
- A man in his 50s arrested in King’s Lynn
- A woman in her 50s arrested in King’s Lynn
Maris was reported missing on 23 November 2024, and police investigations soon established that he had not been seen or heard from since 20 November. Norfolk Police, which handled 2,564 missing person cases last year, initially categorized Maris’ case as a low-to-medium risk inquiry.
Detective Superintendent Gray explained that missing person cases are assessed individually based on risk factors such as age and health, and that public appeals are only made when absolutely necessary.
He emphasised that while public appeals were not issued in this case, the investigative efforts have been ongoing, with police carefully gathering evidence that ultimately led them to launch a murder inquiry.
“The decision to treat this as a homicide case was not taken lightly,” Gray reiterated. “We remain committed to uncovering the truth about what happened to Maris and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.”
