Three people arrested over murder two years ago after skull and bones of father found on motorway slip road

The remains of Surjit Takhar vanished in September 2008, were discovered last year

Debris from the dad's body were found seven years after he went missing (SWNS)

Police investigating the death of a man whose skull and bones were discovered on a motorway slip road seven years after he went missing, have arrested three people.

Surjit Takhar's remains were found during a routine survey of the embankment at junction 4 of the M54 near Telford, Shrops, on August 20 2015.

Detectives confirmed in January last year the body parts belonged to the 37-year-old dad-of-three, from Oldbury, West Mids, who was last seen by his family on September 29, 2008.

Two men, aged 50 and 47, and a 48-year-old woman were arrested at separate addresses in Handsworth, Birmingham.

Searches are also being carried out at other properties in Handsworth and Telford as the trio remained in police custody.

Detective Inspector Jim Munro, of West Midlands Police, said: "This is a significant development in this murder enquiry. We are determined to get the bottom of how Surjit met his fate and I would urge anyone with information which could assist our investigation to get in touch."

Police said Takhar was a divorced alcoholic, who had run up debts at the time of his disappearance.

In July this year his former wife Lavina Sohl, 44, made an emotional appeal for the public to come forward with information.

The pair had been married for 14 years, but had split two days before the former delivery driver went missing.

She said: "To be told his remains had been there for a long time, my emotions went from anger to guilt at the fact I thought in my head he'd just left us. I still feel guilt to be honest.

"What's happened is something's gone wrong somewhere. I don't think they've meant to have done it. It was an accident. I honestly think there is going to be a result at the end of this. Somebody will be caught for what they've done.

"Someone out there, for my children's sake and for my sake, if you know anything, no matter how small it is, please let the police or somebody know. They've lived without a father for all these years without any answers.

"I just want what's best for them, all of us and for Surjit to rest in peace."

South West News Service