Unusual pocket item may finally solve tragic 39 year-old mystery

Distinctive personal items that could finally identify a mystery man found dead 39 years ago have been revealed in a fresh UK-wide appeal. The unknown male was found deceased by two men as they were shooting in Coronation Wood, near Lichfield, Staffordshire, on 5th April 1987 - but despite best efforts at the time he was never identified.

Now Staffordshire Police have revealed personal items including a metal pear-shaped key fob stamped with the number 6, that could be an apartment, bed and breakfast or hotel key. The man was wearing 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 handkerchiefs and a blue comb, as well as two Ladbrokes betting shop pens.

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 man was found hanging from a tree by two men in Coronation Wood, close to the A38 and A5, near Lichfield, back in 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.

Additionally they want 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, 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.

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."