Police said the man found in Sheffield’s Ecclesall Woods was shot dead
Ecclesall Woods(Image: Google)
A murder investigation has been launched – with two people arrested in Manchester – after the discovery of a man’s body in woodland, police have said. The man is believed to have been shot dead in what detectives called ‘a devastating incident’.
Both suspects were held in Manchester on Thursday on suspicion of murder and remained in police custody for questioning on Friday morning, added police.
They are a man aged 36 and a 34-year-old woman. No further details about them have been released, as a major murder squad investigation continued today. It’s not known exactly where in Manchester the arrests were made.
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The man’s body was found in Ecclesall Woods, near Sheffield in South Yorkshire, by a member of the public on Wednesday evening.
In a statement on Friday, South Yorkshire Police said: “On Wednesday (September 2) at 6.46pm we were called to the woodland by the ambulance service following a report that the body of a man had been found by a member of the public.
“While formal identification is still yet to take place, a forensic post-mortem has revealed that the man died as a result of a gunshot wound.
“Following initial enquiries, yesterday (3 September) officers arrested a women aged 34 and a man aged 36 on suspicion of murder in Manchester, they currently remain in police custody for questioning.
“A scene remains in place in Ecclesall Woods, near Whirlowdale Road, as officers carry out further enquiries and patrols. We would encourage anyone with concerns or queries to speak to them, they are there to help.”
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Knowles, the senior investigating officer in 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.”
No further details have been revealed.