£7,000 reward offered in murder hunt

The money is being offered by Crimestoppers and relatives of Brian Metcalfe, whose body was found by a dog walker in a car park close to Station Road, Wath on October 14, 2001.

The 43-year-old unemployed hospital porter, who lived a reclusive life, had been beaten to death two days before his body was found.

A post mortem examination revealed he had been assaulted beforehand.

Mr Metcalfe’s body was found under a bridge but post mortem results revealed he may have died two days earlier.

Officers had spent a great deal of time exploring whether Mr Metcalfe was killed where he was found or if had been carried to the spot or transported in a vehicle.

Detectives have never found his killer but are using the tenth anniversary of his death to re-appeal for information to help them crack the case.

South Yorkshire Police said the case had been investigated over the years and regularly reviewed.

A number of arrests have been made but no-one has been charged over the murder.

Detectives believe Mr Metcalfe was out drinking in pubs in Wath before the attack and may have known his killer.

Police have always maintained that the answer lies within the Wath community.

Acting Det Supt Terry Mann said: “We are appealing to the public and in particular the community of Wath on the 10-year anniversary of Brian's death.

“I am specifically asking for anyone out and about in Wath between Friday, October 12 and Sunday, October 14, 2001 who may have seen Brian, to contact us.

“Were you out near Station Road that weekend? Did you see Brian, who was 5ft 8ins tall and of astocky build. He was wearing a black leather jacket and black denim jeans.

“You may have kept some information on this crime for ten years. Now is the time to come forward and help provide some answers for a grieving family.

“Your life may have moved on, but Brian’s family cannot. South Yorkshire Police remain determined to bring the person responsible for Brian’s death to justice."

“Now is the time to come forward and help provide some answers for a grieving family.”

Mr Metcalfe’s sister, Sue Metcalfe, said: “Ten years have gone by and not a day passes without us thinking of Brian. His death haunts us.

“Please help us find closure and help him rest in peace.”

The case has been regularly reviewed over the years.

There have been arrests, however no-one has been charged.

Anyone with information is urged to call South Yorkshire Police on 0114 296 3161 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 500 111.