NEW BID TO FIND LONER'S KILLER

The body of 43-year-old Brian Metcalfe was found under a railway bridge, on Station Road, Wath, by a dog walker shortly after 5pm on Sunday, October 14, 2001.

The cause of death was given as blunt trauma to the chest, as a result of an assault.

Despite a large police inquiry, no-one was ever brought to justice and police are hoping the passage of time will tweak consciences.

Det Supt Carl Sturgess believes that the key to the murder lies within the Wath Community.

He said: "Despite an extensive and thorough investigation the perpetrator has not yet been brought to justice.

"This appeal seeks sightings or movements of Brian Metcalfe in the days leading up his discovery, but particularly we would like to hear from anyone who may have seen him in the Station Road area on Thursday October 11 or Friday October 12.

"We are convinced that the answer to this crime still lies within the local Wath community and we would urge anyone with information to contact us."

Although there was an unconfirmed sighting of Brian Metcalfe on the Saturday before his body was found, medical evidence suggests it was possible he could have died before 8am on the Friday.

Mr Metcalfe was a quiet man who rarely went out on a Saturday night and preferred to socialise at home with friends.

Detectives said at the time they were keen to establish reasons why Mr Metcalfe was possibly out in Wath that Saturday night. He was said to have been wearing a black leather jacket and black denim jeans when last seen.

He was single but left a brother, who has since died, and a sister - both from Rotherham.

Anyone

with information should call police incident room on 01709 832274 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.