Detectives investigating the murder of a restaurant owner are exploring his shady business affairs and links to Bradford.

A team from Scotland Yard probing Tahir Butt's killing is trying to trace a group of Bradford "businessmen" seen arguing with him in a London nightclub the day before his death, believing they hold the key to the enquiry.

Mr Butt's severely beaten and strangled body was found in his burning Mitsubishi Pajero 4x4 on March 17, 1999.

Firemen made the gruesome discovery in Bushey, Hertfordshire, less than one minute's drive to the M1 and, say detectives, a convenient route to the north of England.

Officers arrived in the city yesterday to trace Mr Butt's apparent links with its Asian community and offer a £10,000 reward for information.

They revealed that while Mr Butt ran a restaurant in London's Wembley and imported cars, he also had links with Asian organised crime and promoted a troupe of Mudra dancers - an illicit form of entertainment often tied with prostitution.

Detective Chief Inspector Julian Headon, from the Metropolitan Police's Serious Crime Group, said such dancers could well operate in Bradford, as they featured among some Asian communities.

He said: "Mr Butt had suffered aggravation about the girls before his death. People had been trying to muscle in on his operation."

On the night before the killing, he was in the 'New Light Club' next to Wembley stadium where his troupe had been dancing.

"There was clearly an aggressive argument with one of the Bradford party. Voices were raised and it was obviously quite heated." He said the pair were rowing in Urdu, making the subject of their confrontation unclear.

A team of officers spoke to members of the Asian community and handed out leaflets appealing for information.

The man seen arguing with Mr Butt is described as being Asian 6ft 1ins, aged about 30 and of chubby build.

Anyone with information should contact the Metropolitan Serious Crime Group on 020 8358 1755 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.