Man shot dead in Ecclesall Woods: two arrested on murder suspicion

Ryan Kettlewell, 38, was found dead in Ecclesall Woods on 2 September with a gunshot wound. Two suspects were arrested and released on bail.

Murder inquiry launched after man found shot in Sheffield woodland

A man and a woman have been arrested on suspicion of murder after Ryan Kettlewell, 38, was found dead in Ecclesall Woods, Sheffield, on 2 September, the Daily Express reports.

South Yorkshire Police launched a murder investigation following the discovery. A forensic post-mortem subsequently confirmed that Kettlewell died as a result of a gunshot wound.

The two suspects — a woman aged 34 and a man aged 36 — were detained on 3 September. Both have since been released on police bail while enquiries continue.

Kettlewell's family described him as a lovable character. "We will always continue to love him and will miss him greatly," they said in a statement.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Knowles, the senior investigating officer, said the force remained committed to establishing the circumstances of the death. "I continue to urge anyone with information about his death to get in touch, no matter how irrelevant or insignificant you believe it to be; it could be the missing piece we need," Knowles said. "Our thoughts are with all those who knew and loved Ryan."

Anyone with information is asked to call South Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 821 of 2 September 2026. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via the charity's website.

Source: Daily Express