Detectives are probing the business dealings of missing dad Sajid Saddique as fears grow for his safety.

Officers, who are concerned the father-of-three might have been abducted from a Shipley supermarket car park, are looking into his family and business background for clues as to why he could have been targeted.

Mr Saddique, 32, of Heaton, Bradford, was last seen by his family when he left home on Valentine's Day morning, telling them he was going to the bank or a meeting in Shipley and would be back within half-an-hour.

His Volkswagen Bora was seen on the top tier of the Asda supermarket car park in Manor Road, Shipley, between 10am and 10.30am that morning and he is thought to have used the cashpoint machine there. But the car was left and Mr Saddique has not been seen since.

Detective Superintendent Andy Brennan, of West Yorkshire Police's Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, who is leading the investigation, yesterday admitted the devoted family man might have been taken from the supermarket car park by force. He said: "It is possible there may have been another car, or other people, nearby that we are not aware of. We believe he has left here, either voluntarily or under duress. If it was under duress it would be in another vehicle."

Det Supt Brennan said police were looking into his family and business background. Mr Saddique ran car dealership, Sandy Lane Motors, with his brothers.

"He is a reasonably successful businessman. We are looking into his business dealings. He is also a well-travelled individual, with family and friends in the UK and Pakistan, and that is a line of inquiry we want to pursue."

Det Supt Brennan added: "For him to be on his own for a period of time is out of character. I have nothing to suggest he has come to any harm at this stage, but as time goes by I am becoming increasingly concerned for his safety."

Police have now completed extensive searches of farms in the Clayton area and also an old ironworks in Bradford.

Det Supt Brennan said: "These were premises which were associated with somebody who is linked to him. We wanted to make sure he wasn't there, or being held there." They have also questioned an associate of Mr Saddique who he may have been planning to meet on the day he disappeared.

Yesterday officers and Police Community Support Officers were questioning shoppers at the Asda and distributing posters with Sajid's picture.

Mr Saddique's wife, Asma, 26, also made an emotional public plea for help to find her husband. The couple have two daughters, aged six and two, and a nine-month-old son.

Asma broke down in tears as she said: "Our whole family is very worried for Sajid since he went missing. He would never go anywhere without telling his family where he was going and when he would be coming back. This is so unlike him.

"If you think you have seen Sajid since last Wednesday, or know where he is, please call the police so his children can have their daddy back home."

Det Supt Brennan said Mr Saddique had planned to celebrate Valentine's Day with his wife. Anyone who thinks they have seen him should contact police on (01274) 373700.

e-mail: steve.wright@bradford.newsquest.co.uk