Community 'holds key' to murder

Brian Metcalfe's body was found under a bridge, not far from his home

Detectives have made an appeal to a South Yorkshire community to help solve a seven-year-old murder case.

Brian Metcalfe's body was found by a dog walker in a car park close to Station Road, Wath, near Rotherham, on 14 October 2001.

The 43-year-old, who lived a reclusive life, had been beaten to death two days before his body was found.

Police believe Mr Metcalfe may have known his killer and that someone in the community knows their identity.

Det Supt Carl Sturgess, said: "Despite an extensive and thorough investigation, the perpetrator has not yet been brought to justice.

"Mr Metcalfe was a creature of habit and a well-known character locally. We believe that the answer to this crime lies within the Wath community and we would urge anyone with information to contact us."

Mr Metcalfe, who was single, was wearing a black leather jacket and black denim jeans when his body was found under a bridge, not far from his home.

Medical evidence suggests he died on 12 October.