Murder investigation launched as police discover body found in Sheffield woods was shot
Body was found on Wednesday evening
Police have launched a murder investigation after discovering that a man whose body was found in Sheffield woods had been shot.
The man who died has not yet been formally identified but a forensic post-mortem examination has revealed that he died as a result of a gunshot wound.
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Police were alerted to the discovery of the body on Wednesday evening (September 2).
Following initial enquiries yesterday (Thursday, September 3), officers arrested a woman aged 34 and a man aged 36 in Manchester on suspicion of murder.
They remained in police custody for questioning at 11.45am today (September 4).
Officers remain at spot where the body was found in Ecclesall Woods, near Whirlowdale Road, as officers carry out further enquiries and patrols
South Yorkshire Police said: “We would encourage anyone with concerns or queries to speak to them, they are there to help.”
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Knowles, who is the senior investigating officer for the case, said: "This is a devastating incident which has led to a man losing his life and our thoughts remain with all those who knew him.
"Our investigation into this incident is in its early stages and we are continuing to work relentlessly to piece together the events leading up to this man's death.
"If you have any information which could help us please contact us immediately."
Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or get in touch online website.
Quote incident number 821 of September 2, 2026, when you get in touch.
South Yorkshire Police had the entrance to Ecclesall Woods on Whirlowdale Road, cordoned off with blue and white police tape yesterday.
Officers were called to the scene shortly before 7pm the night before.
Officers said at the time that the death was being treated as “unexplained.”
A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said on Thursday that officers were by Yorkshire Ambulance Service following a report that the body of a man had been found in Ecclesall Woods.
They said enquiries were ongoing into the circumstances surrounding death, which was at that point being treated as unexplained.