AFTER more than a year since his disappearance, and months of tireless pleas from his daughter, police have arrested two men on suspicion of the murder of a missing man.
Richard Dyson, from Hoyland, was last seen by his daughter, Bethany Dainty, 20, on November 15, 2019 when he dropped her off in Aston, Rotherham.
Bethany said her relationship with her dad was close, and she became concerned when she didn’t hear from him for a week.
She reported 58-year-old Richard missing on November 25, and police confirmed that the last sighting of him was on November 17 when he was seen walking towards the A6135 Sheffield Road in Hoyland, near to Parkside Farm.
A missing person inquiry has been running since the 58-year-old father’s disappearance in November, however following extensive enquiries the investigation team now believes Richard may have been killed.
After months of heart-wrenching appeals by Bethany to help find her dad who has been missing for 16 months, a breakthrough has finally been made in the case.
On Wednesday, as part of the investigation, two men, a 67-year-old from Rotherham and a 68-year-old from Barnsley, have been arrested on suspicion of murder.
They currently remain in police custody.
Despite officers pursuing many lines of enquiry, Richard has still not been traced and no body has yet to be discovered.
However, after analysing evidence that has recently been reviewed, it now suggests he may have been killed.
Detective Inspector Neil Coop, in charge of the investigation, has said new evidence that has ‘come to light’ was instrumental in the arrest of the two men.
He said: “Since Richard disappeared 17 months ago, my team and I have worked tirelessly to understand the circumstances surrounding this case.
“Unfortunately, we have not yet been able to trace him and sadly now believe he may have been killed.
“The arrests made are as a result of evidence that has recently come to light and I hope we will now move closer to having the answers his family so desperately needs.
“As you can imagine, this is an extremely difficult time for Richard’s family, including his daughter.
“Specially-trained officers continue to support her, and I ask that people respect her privacy as she comes to terms with the news she has received.
“This investigation is progressing quickly, and I once again appeal to anyone who has information that may help to come forward. It’s not too late.
“If you have information that may help, please call 101 quoting incident number 459 of November 25, 2019.
“You can also give information anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers via their website crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling their UK contact centre on 0800 555 111.”
