A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a devoted father-of-four who disappeared more than two months ago.

No live sighting has been reported of Raymond Edward Scott, also known as Scotty, who lived in Stanmore, despite numerous appeals for information from police, and neither has his body been recovered.

But a police spokeswoman confirmed a 43-year-old man was arrested in Welldon Crescent, Harrow on January 17 and questioned by Harrow police. He was bailed to return on March 2.

A spokeswoman said: "Although this is still being investigated as a missing person inquiry, a man has been arrested on suspicion of murder."

Mr Scott, 47, was last seen at 3pm on November 16, 2001, leaving a house in Wealdstone.

He left in a white Ford Transit van, registration D346 DPR. The van was found in Eastcote on November 30, but there were no clues to Mr Scott's whereabouts.

Investigators believe the vehicle may have been parked in the service road behind shops in Field End Road, Eastcote between November 16 and 30, 2001. They also think he had carried out a garden clearing job between November 15 and 23, 2001.

"We would like to speak to anyone who saw the van in Field End Road or to anyone in Harrow or Hillingdon who may have employed him to carry out some clearing or hedge trimming job," the spokeswoman added. "There does not appear to be any reason for Raymond to have gone missing."

Mr Scott has dark hair, a moustache and glasses. He is 5ft 7ins, slim build and has a tattoo saying 'Ray' on his left hand.

Information to 8358 0300.