Police are appealing for public assistance after the body of a 62-year-old man, reported missing from the Cheltenham area, was found in a ditch beside Old Gloucester Road in Staverton. The discovery was made around 1:20 pm on Sunday, 3 May.
The deceased has been formally identified as Andy Reed, who was last seen at approximately 10 pm on Saturday, 25 April. Andy had been reported missing from Staverton since Tuesday, 28 April.
A post-mortem examination uncovered multiple unexplained injuries, prompting investigators to treat the death as unexplained. Authorities are continuing their inquiries to determine the full circumstances.
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Andy’s family has been informed and is receiving support from specially trained officers during this difficult time.
Since the discovery, Gloucestershire Constabulary’s Specialist Operations team, Major Crime Investigation Team, and Criminal Investigation Department have carried out extensive forensic analysis, CCTV reviews, and door-to-door inquiries in Staverton.
Detective Inspector Paula Hannaford, leading the investigation, said: “Our thoughts remain with Andy’s family. We are committed to uncovering the full details surrounding his death.”
DI Hannaford is appealing for anyone who may have seen Andy walking or cycling along Old Gloucester Road between 10 pm on 25 April and 1:20 pm on 3 May to come forward. Andy may have been riding a distinctive blue woman’s Dutch-style bike that has yet to be found. The bike features a bright blue/turquoise frame, a white saddle, and a metal rack above the rear tire.
Residents and drivers in the area are urged to check any dashcam, doorbell, or CCTV footage captured during that period for possible sightings of Andy or the missing bike.
Andy is described as approximately 6 feet tall, slim build, with short dark brown hair thinning on top, stubble facial hair, and was last seen wearing a blue body warmer over a khaki green jumper, brown corduroy trousers, and carrying a black rucksack.
Anyone with information is encouraged to report it online quoting incident 237 of 3 May. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers.