Investigation opened into the death of a 54-year-old miner whose remains were found in a field more than half a century after he disappeared

An investigation has been opened into the death of a miner whose remains were found in a field more than half a century after he disappeared.

Police are treating the case of Nottingham miner Alfred Swinscoe as a murder.

Mr Swinscoe died with a broken hand, which police believe may have happened while he was trying to fight off one or more attackers, according to examinations.

He also had a “serious” stab wound and suffered blunt force trauma to parts of his body.

It is believed that his remains were moved from where he was killed at a much later date, as some bones were missing from the burial site.

Police are treating the death of Nottingham miner Alfred Swinscoe (pictured) as murder

Mr Swinscoe’s remains were discovered at a farmer’s house, five miles from the pub where he was last seen on the night of January 27, 1967. (Pictured are forensic experts on April 28, 2023 after the discovery of Alfred Swinscoe’s remains)

The opening hearing of the coroner’s inquest into Mr Swinscoe’s death took place today at Nottingham Council House, Old Market Square.

Coroner Rebecca Coddington said the cause of death had not been determined, but an autopsy had been conducted.

She said: “I certify that in accordance with my statutory duty I have now opened an inquest into the death of Alfred Swinscoe.

“This hearing is now adjourned for further investigations and will resume for a final hearing at a date to be fixed. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Mr Swinscoe.

“While I know it has been a long time since Mr. Swinscoe passed away, that does not distract from the significance of this loss.”

Mr Swinscoe was 54 years old at the time of his disappearance on January 27, 1967.

He was last seen at around 10.30pm giving his son Gary money to buy a round of drinks at the Miners Arms in Pinxton. Mr Swinscoe then went to use the outside toilet but never returned.

Then, on April 26, 2023, a member of the public discovered skeletal remains on Coxmoor Road, Sutton-in-Ashfield, and contacted Nottinghamshire Police, five miles from the pub where he was last seen.

The minor was formally identified on May 28, 2023, after “extremely strong” DNA results suggested he was Mr Siwnscoe.

The remains were identified after Mr Swinscoe’s grandson Russell Lowbridge, aged four at the time, responded to a police call to say he recognised a pair of patterned socks found with the bones as items of clothing he had seen as a child.

Mr Lowbridge previously told the BBC that the disappearance had “tormented” Gary, who died in 2012 “never knowing what had happened to his father”.

Mr Swinscoe’s grandson Russell Lowbridge with his daughter Julie. Mr Lowbridge responded to a police call to say he recognised a pair of patterned socks found with the bones he had seen as a child

The skeleton was found in a grave, alongside a pair of distinctive socks and a man’s shoe. Grandson Russell identified the body because he recognized the socks

ACC Griffin (pictured) admitted detectives may “never have the full picture” of what happened to Mr Swinscoe

In an investigation update released Friday, August 16, police said two potential suspects had been identified, but were no longer alive.

Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) Rob Griffin added: “During our investigation we have identified two potential suspects who, in normal circumstances, had Alfred been murdered today, would have been arrested and brought in for questioning.

“We don’t have that opportunity because they are no longer alive.

“We will continue to investigate this crime and examine all new and existing leads that come to our attention.”

One of the suspects had a history of violence, police added.

Some of the injuries the suspect inflicted on another man he had been convicted of assaulting in April 1966 were similar to those found on Mr Swinscoe.

ACC Griffin admitted detectives may “never have the full picture” of what happened to Mr Swinscoe.

A photo of Alfred Swinscoe (sitting on the running board) with his daughter Julie sitting on the motorcycle with his grandson Russell

A forensic tent is in place after the discovery of Mr Swinscoe’s human remains in Sutton-in-Ashfield

Police were first called to the scene in Coxmoor Road after a member of the public discovered bones on April 26.

He said: “This has certainly not dampened our determination to investigate this crime and leave no stone unturned in finding the killer or killers.

“Alfred died in the most horrible way possible. Not only did he suffer violent injuries, but he was buried in a field so that no one would find him.

“What makes this crime even more distressing is that it took more than 50 years for his remains to be found and for his family to be reunited with their loved one so he could have a decent burial.

“As time goes on, loyalties shift, and we ask that those with more information about Alfred’s death please come forward and do what it takes to help this grieving family get the closure they desperately need and deserve.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room via this link or by calling 101 quoting incident number 648 of 26 April 2023. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.