Norfolk Police are actively investigating the disappearance of 54-year-old Maris Ile, a Latvian national who worked in Ely and lived in King’s Lynn.
Maris was reported missing on 23 November 2024, prompting officers to conduct extensive enquiries. Over time, gathered evidence has led detectives to suspect foul play, resulting in the launch of a murder investigation—despite the absence of a body.
On Tuesday, 11 March 2025, officers executed simultaneous arrests at multiple locations, detaining four men and one woman on suspicion of murder. The arrests took place at addresses in King’s Lynn, Norwich, and Peterborough:
- A man in his 20s was arrested in Peterborough
- A man in his 30s was arrested in Norwich
- A man in his 40s was arrested in Norwich
- A man in his 50s was arrested in King’s Lynn
- A woman in her 50s was arrested in King’s Lynn
All five individuals have since been released on police bail until 11 June 2025 as detectives continue their inquiries.
Ongoing Investigation and Police Response
Since Maris was last seen leaving his home in King’s Lynn for work on 20 November 2024, officers have conducted multiple lines of enquiry, reviewing evidence and tracing his movements. The police have been working extensively to uncover what happened, leading them to conclude that Maris has likely come to harm.
Detective Superintendent Phill Gray, from the Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team, stated: “Maris was a seasonal worker with a structured routine, maintaining regular contact with his family in Latvia. His sudden disappearance and failure to arrive at work on 20 November raised concerns. Based on our investigations, we now believe he has come to harm, which is why we have escalated this to a murder investigation.”
“Our priority is to establish the circumstances surrounding Maris’ disappearance. The individuals arrested are being questioned as part of our inquiries, and we will continue working diligently to gather further evidence.”
Handling of Missing Person Cases
Norfolk Police routinely deal with missing person reports, managing 2,564 cases last year. Each case is assigned a risk rating—low, medium, or high—based on factors such as age, health, and vulnerability. Risk levels are reassessed as new information emerges.
Maris’ case was initially classified as low to medium risk, with local enquiries carried out, but no immediate public appeal was made. Police emphasise that public appeals are not automatic and are only issued when necessary, particularly for high-risk cases where there is an urgent concern for safety.
The investigation into Maris Ile’s disappearance remains ongoing, with officers continuing to pursue all leads. Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact Norfolk Police.
