Huge police cordon in place next to playground on Sheffield estate as murder probe is launched

A police screen has been erected at the spot where a seriously injured man was discovered on Fretson Green, between Fretson Close and Fretson Road South, Manor, in the early hours of this morning.

It is just yards away from a popular children’s playground normally used by local families.

But today the playground and surrounding roads are all taped off and under police guard.

Crime scene investigation work is being carried out within the cordon as detectives seek to establish the full circumstances surrounding the death .

South Yorkshire Police said the injured man, who was 32 but has not yet been named, could not be saved and was pronounced dead at the scene – triggering a murder probe.

The alarm was raised at 12.34am.Detective Chief Inspector Mark Oughton, leading the investigation, vowed to identify those responsible for the killing.

He said: “I know this incident will concern the community who live in the Manor area and I’d like to reassure the public that we are doing all we can to find those responsible.”

In an appeal for witnesses to come forward, he said: “My appeal today is for anyone who has information about what happened this morning to please come forward and talk to us.

“Were you in the Fretson Green area either before 12.30am or just after? Did you hear or see anything that was unusual?

“Did you capture any people or vehicles on your CCTV cameras or dash cams? Even something that seems insignificant or routine could be vital to our investigation.“There will be significant number of officers in the area over the coming days, they will be continuing with house to house enquiries and searches. If you have concerns, please do talk to them, they are there to offer you help and support.”

Anyone with information about the murder should call South Yorkshire Police on 101 and quote incident number 29 of April 17.

Crimestoppers can also be contacted, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

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