Appeal to identify man found in woodland in 1987

Police have launched a fresh appeal to help identify a man whose body was discovered in woodland in Staffordshire almost 40 years ago.

The man was found hanging from a tree by two men who were shooting in the area in Coronation Wood, close to the A38 and A5, near Lichfield, on 5 April 1987.

Despite extensive police investigations, the man's identity remained unknown and he was believed to have died a week before he was found, Staffordshire Police said.

Officers are urging anyone who may have any information or who recognises the man's description, clothing or any of his personal items to get in contact.

The man, who had no identity documents in his possession, was described as being his mid-50s at the time of his death and about 5ft 8in (173cm) tall, with a slender to muscular build.

He had no hair at the top of his head and greying hair at the sides and back, along with a moustache and only two lower teeth, which gave him a "distinctive appearance," police added.

Det Ch Insp 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 force is working alongside volunteer investigators from cold case charity Locate International, who said even the smallest amount of information could help its investigation.

Mark Greenhalgh, CEO of Locate International, added: "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."

Officers are asking anyone who remembers a man who frequented local betting shops in the 1980s and later went missing, to come forward.

They have also appealed to people who lived or worked in Lichfield at the time and may recognise him, as well as to any farmers or landowners who believe he may have stayed on their property.

The man was wearing clothing including a grey zip-front Millets Citizen anorak, a green Dunn & Co trilby hat, with a brown knitted jumper and a dark or wine red tie with stripes and pin dots.

He was also carrying items including two keys on a metal pear-shaped fob stamped with the number 6, handkerchiefs and a blue comb, as well as two Ladbrokes betting shop pens.

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