Murder suspects found in case of missing miner from the 1960s

Police have identified two murder suspects allegedly involved in the death of a miner whose remains were discovered more than 50 years after his disappearance.

The remains of Alfred Swinscoe were found in a field in Nottinghamshire last April after the father of six was last seen drinking in a pub on January 27, 1967.

Examinations of Mr Swinscoe's bones revealed he had suffered a “significant” stab wound and blunt force trauma. Police said he died with a broken hand.

Now the officers have identified two suspects, both of whom are no longer alive.

Nottinghamshire Police launched a murder investigation after discovery the remains, later confirmed as the property of the 54-year-old.

They were found on April 26 off Coxmoor Road in Sutton-in-Ashfield during excavation work on farmland.

Officers believe Mr Swinscoe – who was last seen at the former Pinxton Miners Arms in Derbyshire – was murdered and subsequently buried in a grave between 4ft (1.2m) and 6ft (1.8m) deep.

Police said scientists had conducted “extensive” tests on Mr Swinscoe's bones since the remains were found to determine the cause of death.

It is believed that Mr Swinscoe broke his hand while defending himself against his attacker or attackers.

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

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

Because some bones were missing, experts believe it is “highly likely” that Mr Swinscoe was killed elsewhere and then brought to the site where his remains were found “at a much later date”.

Russell Lowbridge, Mr Swinscoe's grandson, told the BBC he recognised the former miner's sock which was found with the remains.

“It was a shock to find out he was murdered. It took me some time to understand,” Lowbridge said. “It's all a bit disturbing and upsetting.”

“Everyone who knew something kept it secret. It would be wonderful if [people] has contacted us, would reassure us.

“It will always haunt us; we will always be left in the dark. We have closed part of the matter, but not all of it. There are still questions that need to be answered.”

From the age of 14, Mr Swinscoe worked as a 'cutter' at Langton Colliery. He was known for operating a machine that cut large chunks of coal from the coalface for others to then break down.

He was nicknamed “Sparrow” and was also known as the “Champion Pigeon Man of Pinxton” because of his love of pigeon racing.

Four of his six children are still alive and he has numerous grandchildren.

It is believed that Mr Swinscoe was drinking with his two sons and friends on the night of his disappearance.

He was last seen giving his son Gary money for a round and then leaving to use the outside restroom.

Mr Lowbridge had previously told the BBC that the disappearance had “tormented” Gary, who died in 2012 “not knowing what had happened to his father”.

Investigators believe a vehicle may have been used in the murder because there was “some distance” between the pub and the spot where Mr Swinscoe was buried.

They added that in 1967 it was “rare” to own a car in the village of Pinxton.

Assistant Chief Constable Rob Griffin said many of the people who were with him at the time of Mr Swinscoe's disappearance were no longer alive, adding: “We may never get the full picture” of what happened.

“This has certainly not diminished our determination to investigate this crime and leave no stone unturned to find his killer or killers,” he said.

“We will continue to investigate this crime and continue to explore all new and existing options available to us.”

The cause of Mr Swincoe's death will be determined by a pathologist before the inquest.

Police are still appealing for information. Mr Swinscoe’s last movements were traced as part of a Call from BBC Crimewatch in October.

The family held a small funeral for Mr Swinscoe in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, in January.

The service – at A Wass Funeral Directors – was The ceremony was conducted by Stephen Blakeley, a prominent master of ceremonies known for his role as PC Younger in the television series Heartbeat.

“He gave us a nice talk about Grandpa and it was wonderful,” said Mr Lowbridge.

“It's nice to have him buried back home surrounded by his family and we are glad that he is not even more lost.”