Pictured: An 82-year-old pensioner found dead in the River Don as police release on bail two men, aged 30 and 32, arrested on suspicion of murder

An 82-year-old pensioner found dead in the River Don has been identified for the first time, as two men arrested on suspicion of murder have been released on bail.

Jim Harris is believed to have been walking in the Mexborough area of ​​the river with a walking stick on Thursday morning.

At 7.36am, emergency services rushed to the river after receiving reports of a body being found. Despite the best efforts of paramedics, Mr Harris was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.

A crime scene has been established around 1km from the waterway, as South Yorkshire Police have launched a murder investigation.

Two men, aged 30 and 32, were arrested on suspicion of murder but have since been released on police bail pending further enquiries. The crime scene has been cleared.

Jim Harris, 82, was found dead in the River Don by emergency services on Thursday morning.

South Yorkshire Police were called to the River Don at 7.36am on Thursday after receiving reports of a body in the water.

The waterway was sealed off for the murder investigation to take place but has since been reopened

Mr Harris’s relatives have been informed and are receiving support from specialist officers.

Officers are now appealing to anyone who was near the River Don between 6am and 8am to come forward.

Senior Investigating Officer and Detective Chief Inspector Tom Woodward said: “As our investigation into the circumstances of this man’s death continues, we are appealing to members of the public who may have information to please come forward.

“We are particularly interested in people who were in and around Doncaster Road in the Mexborough area between 6am and 8am on Thursday morning.

“We believe Jim was travelling in the area at the time and was using a cane as a walking aid. Were you in the area or do you have any dash cam or CCTV footage? Please let us know as it could be of great assistance as our investigation progresses.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police online or by calling 101, quoting incident number 154 of 25 July.

You can also pass information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.