AN appeal has been launched to identify a man found dead in Lichfield almost 40 years ago.
The individual was discovered by two men out shooting in woodland near the city on 5th April 1987.
He was found hanging from a tree in Coronation Wood – an area popular with dog walkers near Swinfen Island – and was believed to have died a week earlier.
But despite investigations from Staffordshire Police over the past four decades, he has never been identified.
Volunteers from the Locate International charity are now teaming up with the force in a bid to finally identify the mystery man.
Mark Greenhalgh, Locate International’s CEO, 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.
"Even the smallest piece of information can help. It can help confirm something we already knew or provide a crucial new direction for the investigation.
"So we would encourage people to come forward if you know anything at all."
The man was in his mid-50s, 5ft 8ins tall with a slender build. He had short, dark mousy hair which was greying at the sides and back, and a greying moustache on the edge of his upper lip. He also had only two lower teeth.
At the time his body was found he was wearing a Millets Citizen Anorak in grey with zip front, a Dunn and Co green trilby hat, Greenwoods lightweight grey zip-up jacket with blue lining, a C&A-branded brown knitted jumper, a Marks and Spencer light blue check shirt a dark or wine red tie with awning stripes and pin dots, light tan or brown slip-on shoes in an extra-wide fitting and blue or grey trousers.
Items found on him included two keys on a metal pear-shaped fob with the number ‘6’ stamped on it, handkerchiefs, a blue comb, a disposable lighter and two copper coins – as well as two Ladbrokes pens.
Items found on the man discovered in Coronation Wood in 1987 
Clothing worn by the man found in Coronation Wood in 1987 
The tie worn by the man found in Coronation Wood in 1987 
Clothing worn by the man found in Coronation Wood in 1987 
Clothing worn by the man found in Coronation Wood in 1987
Officers believe local knowledge will be key to unlocking the mystery and are asking anyone who encountered the man in the area before his death or who recognises him or any of his clothing or belongings to get in touch.
Detective Chief Inspector Louise Booker said:
"This man has remained unidentified for nearly four decades and that is something we are determined to change.
"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.
"Even information that feels uncertain could help us finally establish who he was and provide answers after all these years."
Anyone with information can email appeals@locate.international or call 0300 102 1011. For more details visit the Locate International website.
