POLICE have said someone in Epping Forest could hold the key to the mystery of a "kidnapped" man whose severed thumb was found in east London.

Mahmood Ahmad, 41, vanished on his journey home from his work at a kebab shop in Aldgate, London, in the early hours of Sunday March 7.

Detectives believe the father-of-two was seized outside his home in Radlett Road, Watford, but that he may have taken a diversion through the district on the way.

They also suspect there may be people in the Epping area who have links to his alleged kidnappers.

However police have not ruled out the possibility that he has been murdered.

In a further twist to the case, Mr Ahmad's thumb was found in a car park in Ilford, east London, three days after he disapeared.

CCTV footage showed it apparently falling from the sky.

It is suspected to have been dropped by a bird.

A spokeswoman for Hertfordshire Police, which is leading the investigation, said officers had put posters up across the district in the hope of someone coming forward with information.

She said: "For us it's a case of leaving no stone unturned.

"We think he may have taken a route through Epping Forest as he went along on the night."

Detective Inspector Mick Trotman, of the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: "Although five people have been charged in connection with Mahmood’s disappearance, investigations continue.

"Officers have been working around the clock to trace Mahmood but it could be your call which makes a difference.

"If you saw any suspicious activity around the time of Mahmood’s disappearance or since, we are asking you to urgently get in touch.

“If you have any information at all, no matter how insignificant you might think it is, please get in touch.

"You can do this in confidence via the incident room number 01707 355798 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

He was last seen leaving the kebab shop by colleagues driving his black Citroen C2 car.

Five people have been charged over his disappearance.

They are 36-year-old Sharif Mohammed, from Vista Drive in Ilford, who is charged with false imprisonment.

Homeless man Mohammed Riaz, 33, has been charged with kidnap, false imprisonment, harassment and dwelling burglary.

Arnold Yousaf, aged 18, from Cann Hall Road in Leytonstone, is charged with kidnap.

Amirzada Hussain, aged 36, from Churston Avenue in Plaistow is charged with conspiracy to falsely imprison.

A 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is also charged with kidnap.

They will all appear in court on Friday June 18.

Two men and two women have also been arrested and released on police bail.