Staffordshire Police have launched a fresh appeal to identify a man found dead 39 years ago, revealing distinctive personal items that could finally solve the mystery. The unknown male was discovered by two men shooting in Coronation Wood, near Lichfield, on 5th April 1987, but despite extensive investigations, his identity has never been established.
Distinctive Personal Items
Among the items recovered from the scene is a metal pear-shaped key fob stamped with the number 6, which police believe could be a key to an apartment, bed and breakfast, or hotel. The man was wearing a grey zip-front Millets Citizen anorak, a green Dunn & Co trilby hat, a brown knitted jumper, and a dark or wine red tie with stripes and pin dots. He also carried handkerchiefs, a blue comb, and two Ladbrokes betting shop pens.
Appeal for Information
Detective Chief Inspector Louise Booker said: "Someone somewhere knew him - as a friend, a colleague, neighbour or family member. We are urging anyone who recognises the description, the clothing he was wearing, or the personal items found with him, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward."
The man was found hanging from a tree in Coronation Wood, close to the A38 and A5, and is believed to have died a week before his body was discovered. He had no identity documents, and officers describe him as being in his mid-50s, about 5ft 8in (173cm) tall, with a slender to muscular build. He had no hair on top of his head, greying hair at the sides and back, a moustache, and only two lower teeth, giving him a "distinctive appearance."
Further Appeals
Police are urging anyone who remembers a man who frequented local betting shops in the 1980s and later went missing to come forward. They also appeal to people who lived or worked in Lichfield at the time, as well as farmers or landowners who believe he may have stayed on their property. The force is working with volunteer investigators from cold case charity Locate International, who hope even the smallest piece of information could help.
Mark Greenhalgh, CEO of Locate International, said: "We believe everyone deserves to be reunited with their identity and to receive dignity in death. And even after almost 40 years, we are hopeful that we can give Coronation Wood Man back his name."
