Murder detectives arrived in Bradford today in a bid to solve the brutal killing of a London businessman two years ago.

Officers from the capital's Serious Crime Group are investigating Tahir Butt's links to Bradford businessmen, saying they could well hold the solution to his death.

Mr Butt, who ran a restaurant in north-west London, had been with a group of Bradford Asians in a nightclub the day before his burned body was found. He is thought to have been involved in illicit Asian dancing clubs.

Today officers moved their enquiries to Bradford, speaking to local people and handing out leaflets in a bid to trace the men.

Two years ago, firefighters found Mr Butt's burned body inside the smouldering rem-ains of his Mitsubishi Pajero which was dumped and torched in the Bushey area of London. A post mortem showed he had been strangled but also suffered a severe beating beforehand.

After the killing, on March 17, 1999, his body was placed in the car which was then covered with petrol and set alight.

Officers believe his Pajero - the same model as a Shogun - was followed to the scene by another 4x4 vehicle which was seen driving away as the flames took hold. Detective Chief Inspector Julian Headon said the team's investigations had revealed that Mr Butt had been with a group of Bradford men, describing themselves as 'businessmen', the night before.

He said Mr Butt and the three others had been at The New Light Club next to Wembley stadium on March 16.

One of these was described as Asian around 30 and 6ft 1in tall. He was chubby, had a beer belly and had a moustache and unkempt hair. He spoke in Urdu.

Police have appealed for anyone who may know the Bradford 'businessmen' or have any information about the murder, to contact the Metropolitan Police Serious Crime Group on 0208 358 1755 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.