A significant new lead has emerged in the enduring mystery surrounding a man found dead nearly 40 years ago in a Midlands woodland.
On Sunday, April 5, 1987, two men shooting in Coronation Wood, Swinfen, near Lichfield, discovered a man hanging from a tree. The victim, believed to have died approximately one week earlier, has remained unidentified despite exhaustive investigations by Staffordshire Police.
Described as a man in his mid-50s, standing 5ft 8ins (173cm) tall, he had a slender yet muscular physique. His hair was short, dark brown with grey at the sides and back, complemented by a grey moustache. Notably, he had only two lower teeth — giving him a distinctive appearance.
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Volunteer investigators from Locate International, a charity specializing in missing and unidentified person cold cases, are collaborating with Staffordshire Police to unravel this decades-old enigma. Following a renewed public appeal last month, the case has produced a promising new lead.
Several members of the public responded with valuable information. One suggested the man bore a strong resemblance to someone who frequented the swimming pool at the now-closed Friary School in Lichfield during weekends in the mid-1980s. Witnesses recall he spoke good English with a pronounced Eastern European accent, possibly Russian, and was known as a “friendly loner” who shared intriguing stories.
Investigators are also exploring whether a key found on the man, attached to a metal fob stamped with the number ‘6,’ belonged to swimming pool lockers at Friary School.
The victim was found carrying several personal items: two keys on a pear-shaped metal fob marked ‘6,’ handkerchiefs, a blue comb, a disposable lighter, two copper coins, and two ‘Ladbrokes’ pens. These suggest possible connections to local betting shops.
Authorities are now urging anyone who remembers visiting betting shops in the area or recognizes the man’s description, mannerisms, or belongings to come forward. Mark Greenhalgh, CEO of Locate International, emphasized: “We take all leads seriously, but this one feels particularly promising. A man fitting this description would have stood out, and we believe someone will recall him from the Lichfield area in the 1980s.”
Detective Chief Inspector Louise Booker of Staffordshire Police added: “After nearly 40 years, we remain determined to identify this man and provide answers about his identity. No piece of information is too small, and we encourage anyone with relevant knowledge to get in touch.”
Anyone with information is urged to email [email protected], call 0300 102 1011, or contact Staffordshire Police on 101 quoting crime reference 147 of 12/05/2026.