Man quizzed on murder of missing model

Aug 9 2007 By Mark Cowan, Birmingham Mail

A MAN was today arrested over the murder of Andre Nunes who vanished without trace almost two years ago.

The 55-year-old from Rednal was this afternoon being questioned by murder detectives as the grim search for the body of 47-year-old Andre continued.

The breakthrough came as officers returned to a detached house, in Alvechurch, where police believe Andre's body may have been buried.

Police have spent more than two days searching the property and four acres of grounds known as Moorfields, in Lilley Green Road with sniffer dogs, ground penetrating radar and forensic archaeologists.

A cache of firearms and drugs were found at the property during the first day of police searches.

West Midlands Police this afternoon revealed the haul included an assault rifle, two other rifles, two sawn off shotguns and a quantity of ammunition. Officers were in the process of examining the weapons, a spokesman said.

The search of the property - described as a "significant development" in the case - and its extensive enclosed grounds is still expected to take a number of days.

A 51-year-old man and his 48-year-old wife arrested following Tuesday's swoop at the property today remained in custody.

A West Midlands Police spokesman said: "There has been another arrest today. A 55-year-old man from the Rednal area was this morning arrested on suspicion of murder.

"Following the arrest further searches at addresses will take place today."

Andre, a former male model vanished from his flat in Weoley Castle, Birmingham, on September 11 2005.

His front door had been forced open and his belongings were left inside the premises, leading police to believe he may have been kidnapped.

Sources told the Birmingham Mail that it was believed Andre had been the tragic victim of mistaken identity, although West Midlands Police declined to comment on the claims.

A murder incident room has been set up. Anyone with information should call 0845 113 5000 and ask for officers on Operation Poster. Alternatively, people can call the anonymous Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555111.