Investigators working to identify a man found dead in Coronation Wood near Lichfield in 1987 believe a key found in his possession could be the vital clue, following fresh appeals that generated public recognition.
Fresh Appeal and Clue
On Sunday, April 5, 1987, the body of a man was discovered hanging from a tree in Coronation Wood, Swinfen, near Lichfield. Despite extensive searches over 40 years, Staffordshire Police had been unable to identify him. However, a new appeal from the force and volunteer investigators at Locate International, a charity specialising in cold cases, prompted several members of the public to come forward with possible identifications.
Police now believe the man's distinctive appearance—with only two lower teeth—and a key with a metal fob marked with the number 6 may hold the key to solving the mystery. The key is thought to have come from a locker at a local leisure facility.
The Key and the Swimming Pool
Following the appeal, multiple people suggested the man resembled an individual who regularly attended the swimming pool at Friary School in Lichfield on weekends in the mid-1980s. Though the pool is now closed, investigators believe that those who used it back then may have crucial information.
The man was described as a 'friendly loner' who spoke 'good English with a strong Eastern European accent, possibly from Russia.' He was in his mid-50s, 5ft 8ins (173cm) tall, with a slender/muscular build, short dark mousy hair greying at the sides and back, and a greying moustache. He had only two lower teeth.
Locate International and Staffordshire Police are now focusing on whether the key with the fob number 6 was used at the Friary School swimming pool lockers.
Seven Questions to the Public
Investigators have posed seven specific questions to anyone who used or worked at the Friary School swimming pool in the early to mid-1980s:
- Did you use the Friary School swimming pool or work there? Or do you know someone who did?
- Do you recall an Eastern European or Russian man matching the description?
- What do you remember about him, or what did he tell you? Even the smallest details can make a big difference.
- Do you have any photos from the swimming pool at the time?
- Take a look at the key fob shown in the appeal. Could it have come from the swimming pool?
- Do you have any images of locker keys and fobs used at the Friary School pool?
- Is there anyone else you know who might have information?
How to Help
Anyone with information is urged to email appeals@locate.international, call 0300 102 1011, or contact Staffordshire Police on 101 quoting crime reference: 147 of 12/05/2026.
The man's body was discovered 40 years ago, and investigators remain hopeful that the public can finally provide the missing pieces to identify him and bring closure to this long-standing mystery.
