The hunt for a man who was abducted in east London in April is now a murder investigation.

Aron Kato, 28, who was last seen being pushed into a dark-coloured BMW in Ley Street in Ilford, is feared to have been killed.

The father-of-one had been out with friends when he was caught on CCTV being forced into the hatchback, registration RF12 0ZA, just after 4.30am on April 18.

Detective Chief Inspector Mick Norman, said: “All our inquiries and appeals have failed to locate Aron and I am deeply saddened that we have had to accept that this is now a murder investigation.

“Aron’s family are understandably distraught and we are doing all we can to help and support them.

“I would ask anyone who has information and who has not yet contacted police to think about the effect their silence is having on this family.

“I want to assure any witnesses that we have specialist officers ready to take your call and support you.”

Missing Aron Kato
Aron Kato, from Newham, was last seen being pushed into a BMW hatchback in Ilford in April (handout/PA)

Mr Kato, from Newham, had spent the day before he vanished with his girlfriend Chanel Naidoo, his son, who is now six months old, and his niece to go bowling and visit a park.

That evening he went out with friends, and at around midnight he called Chanel to tell her he loved her and that he was going home, but she never heard from him again.

In an earlier appeal to find him, she described him as “the most bubbly, happy, genuine family man who would do anything to help anyone”.

Seven people, one woman and six men aged 25 to 39, who were arrested on suspicion of kidnap have all been bailed or released under investigation.

Anyone with information can call the police incident room on 020 8721 4005.

Alternatively, to remain anonymous and to qualify for a £10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Aron’s killers, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.