Family of murdered South Yorkshire man make desperate plea for information about killing

Stafford Garner, 46, was found by paramedics at his home in Monsal Street, Thurnscoe on 2 April, and died in hospital three days later.

Five men arrested on suspicion of murder have since been released on bail.

His mother Gail Hatton, 67, said the family has been left “torn apart” by his death.

She said: “He was such a kind, loving son and brother and now we just want to know what happened to him, so we can try to move forward with our lives.

“Any information, however big or small, could make all the difference. There are people in Thurnscoe who know what happened to Stafford and can help our family get the justice he deserves.”

Sisters Cas, 32, and Steph, 44, and brothers Spencer, 48, and Shaw, 39, added in a joint statement: “We miss our brother every day. It doesn’t seem real that our family is going through this.

“We know that speaking out might be difficult – but please just think about our family. You can do something good here and help us to move on from this most horrendous time in our lives.”

A post-mortem concluded Stafford’s cause of death was a head injury.

Senior investigating officer Rob Platts from South Yorkshire Police said: “From what we have learnt whilst conducting this investigation, I believe there are a number of people from the Thurnscoe area who know exactly what has happened to Stafford.

"I am now appealing to those people to come forward and tell us what they know. If not for the Police, then do this for Stafford’s family, no-one should have to go through what they are going through.”

Stafford was last seen “fit and well” on the afternoon of 31 March, detective inspector Platts said.

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting incident number 494 of 2 April 2020. Alternatively, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously via www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.