THREE men and a woman were arrested by police investigating the disappearance of an Accrington businessman who is missing, feared dead.

But today officers said they had ruled out a link between the four and the disappearance of David Guilfoyle, although they were continuing to question the suspects about unrelated assaults.

The four were arrested yesterday as a home in Clement Street, Accrington, and a car were forensically examined.

Police said this followed a tip off but described the arrests as "routine".

Mr Guilfoyle, 37, of Royds Avenue, left the Grey Horse pub, Whalley Road, at 10.30pm on Wednesday May 25 in a jubilant mood having watched Liverpool win the Champions League.

The property owner, who police said has links to organised crime, drove off in his racing green Jaguar XK8, which was later found outside his home.

None of his belongings had been taken, his mobile phone has not been used and no withdrawals have been made from his bank account.

The top police sniffer dogs in the country were brought in to help the search yesterday.

Detectives said they were looking for evidence but acknowledged they may find a body after finding evidence of a violent assault in his home.

Frankie a border collie and two English Springer Spaniels, Eddie and Keela, hunted the man who stabbed Abigail Witchalls, the 26-year-old mum who was attacked in Surrey while pushing her a pram.

They searched fields and woodland at the back of Mr Guilfoyle's bungalow.

The dogs are trained to find blood-stained weapons, clothing and property, miniscule traces of blood and body fluid.

Forensic officers carried but fingertip searches of the house and Luminol, a spray which reveals cleaned up blood.

Det Supt Mick Turner said: "We have taken samples and they are being examined. We are expecting the results this week."

Anyone with information should call the incident room on 01254 51212.