POLICE have now identified a 48-year-old man whose body was discovered in the Silkstone Common area earlier this week.
Gary Dean, from Silkstone Common, was found at around 5.40pm on Thursday in a wooded area behind Moorend Lane, close to the Trans Pennine Trail.
A forensic post mortem examination into Mr Dean’s cause of death is ongoing.
His family has been informed and are receiving support from police. They ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult time.
Two people, a 40-year-old man and a 76-year-old woman, have been arrested in connection with Mr Dean’s death. The man has been arrested on suspicion of murder, the woman on suspicion of assisting an offender. Both remain in police custody.
Detective Chief Inspector Steve Whittaker, who is overseeing the investigation, said: “Our inquiry continues in earnest to understand what happened to Mr Dean and I’m appealing to anyone who may have seen him before his death to contact police.
“When he was last seen by his loved ones on Thursday morning, he was reportedly wearing trainers and a bright red long-sleeved running top. Did you see Mr Dean in the woods, or near to the Trans Pennine Trail, that morning? Did you see him at all on Thursday?
“We’re working to piece together his movements on Thursday so if anyone holds any information that could help, please get in touch.”
The cordon that was in place at the scene has now been lifted and enquiries are ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to call South Yorkshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 628 of September 6 September. You can also give information to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.
