On Sunday, 5 April 1987, two men were out shooting in Coronation Wood, near Lichfield in Staffordshire, when they encountered the body of a man hanging from a tree. He was believed to have died about a week earlier.
Over almost 40 years, police have tried to identify the man and have so far ruled out three possible identities.
We’re hoping that someone out there can help.
Coronation Wood Man
What we know:
The man was in mid 50s, 5ft 8ins (173cm) with a slender/muscular 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 two lower teeth but no more
A living depiction has been created by Hew Morrison above, does he look familiar?
Two keys on a metal, pear shaped fob with the number ‘6’ stamped upon it
Two ‘Ladbrokes’ biro pens
Handkerchiefs, a blue comb, a disposable lighter and two copper coins
Belongings:
His belongings. Photo courtesy of Staffordshire Police
Clothing:
His clothing. Photos courtesy of Staffordshire Police
Millets Citizen Anorak in grey with zip front
Dunn & Co Green Trilby Hat
Greenwoods Menswear lightweight grey zip up jacket with blue lining
C&A-branded brown knitted jumper – made in Romania
Marks and Spencer light blue check shirt
Dark/wine red tie, with awning stripes and pin dots
Light tan/brown slip-on shoes – police state that they were ‘extra-wide’
Blue or grey trousers
Questions you can ask yourself
Can you help us identify Coronation Wood Man? Just one small detail or piece of information could help us give him his name back.
If you lived or worked in the area around the time he was found please think about who else you can share this Appeal with. Perhaps a friend, family member, neighbour or co-worker may know something?
Did you live or work in Lichfield in the Spring of 1987? Does the man look familiar?
Did you walk your dog in Coronation Wood at the time? Maybe you encountered him?
Are you a farmer or landowner in the area? Maybe he stayed on your property at some point?
Does his tie look familiar to you at all?
The fact he had two Ladbrokes biros suggests he spent time in betting shops. Do you remember him from betting shops in the mid to late 1980s?
There is always hope, and you could be the person that makes the difference.
No matter how seemingly small the information you have, it really may be the answer we need. Information provided can be submitted anonymously, and submissions will be treated in confidence. Everything we receive will be reviewed by our dedicated team of volunteers.
Please do not use this form for emergency assistance in locating a person. Please call 999.