Human remains have been discovered during the search for a man who vanished in Barnsley nearly six years ago, with two men re-arrested on suspicion of murder.
South Yorkshire Police confirmed the remains were found at a property on Broadcarr Road in Hoyland on Monday 14 July, prompting detectives to inform the family of Richard Dyson, 58, who has been missing since November 2019.
Two men, aged 72 and 71, who were previously arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with Mr Dyson’s disappearance, were re-arrested on Monday for further questioning before being released on bail.
Extensive Crime Scene
Police cordons are currently in place at multiple locations including Dike Hill in Harley, Rotherham, and Sheffield Road in Hoyland Common, Barnsley, with forensics teams expected to work at the scenes for the next two weeks.
A South Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “Officers are keeping an open mind around the circumstances of the discovery, and formal identification of the remains is yet to take place.
However, the family of Richard Dyson, a 58-year-old man who has been missing from Barnsley since 2019, have been informed of the developments.
The spokesman added: “They are being supported and kept updated on progress.”
Last Known Movements
Mr Dyson was last seen by his daughter Bethany on 15 November 2019, when he dropped her off at her boyfriend’s house in the Aston area of Rotherham after she finished work.
He was officially reported missing on 25 November after failing to turn up for another arranged meeting with his daughter, who said Sunday dinners were “always our day”.
The last confirmed sighting of Mr Dyson was at approximately 11pm on Sunday 17 November 2019, when he was seen walking along the A6135 Sheffield Road in Hoyland.
Family’s Anguish
In December 2020, Bethany made an emotional appeal for information about her father ahead of what would have been their second Christmas apart.
“Someone must know what’s happened to my dad. Please just come forward and tell me what you know,” she said in a tearful statement.
She added: “I just know he loves me and I love him and he wouldn’t go this long without seeing me by chance.”
Bethany, who was 19 when her father disappeared, had previously described the daily worry she experienced, saying: “It’s just horrendous, I can’t rest. I’m worried every single day.”
Previous Arrests
The two men now re-arrested were initially detained in March 2021 on suspicion of murder before being released. Their ages at the time were 69 and 70.
Both men have now been re-arrested following the discovery of the remains and were questioned again on Monday before being bailed pending further enquiries.
Police have not revealed the identity of the arrested men or their connection to Mr Dyson.
Senior Officer’s Appeal
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Knowles, the Senior Investigating Officer, emphasised the importance of the investigation to Mr Dyson’s family.
We are keeping an open mind following this discovery, and working around the clock to establish the identity of the person involved and the circumstances surrounding this development,” he said.
“Richard Dyson and his family remain at the forefront of our minds as we progress our enquiries, and we know how important it is for them to get answers.”
DCI Knowles added: “We remain keen to hear from anyone with any information which could assist us, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Please get in touch and tell us what you know.”
Previous Frustrations
In March 2024, Bethany had publicly criticised South Yorkshire Police’s handling of her father’s disappearance, describing the support she received as “disgusting.
She told local media: “I was 19 when my dad went missing – I’m 24 in six months’ time. It’s been extremely difficult – every day seems to become harder.”
At that time, she had expressed frustration about the lack of progress and questioned why the previously arrested men had been released on bail.
Missing Person Details
Mr Dyson, whose birthday was on Christmas Eve, had been staying near Parkside Cottage close to the A6135 Sheffield Road in Hoyland at the time of his disappearance.
CCTV footage from 16 November 2019 showed him at a petrol station on Sheffield Road, Birdwell, at around 10:30pm, where he was seen checking under the bonnet of his Land Rover Freelander before driving away.
His vehicle, with the registration T321 POW, has never been found.
Investigation Continues
South Yorkshire Police are urging anyone with information to contact them on 101, quoting incident number 459 of 25 November 2019.
Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The force has committed significant resources to the investigation, with multiple crime scenes now active across South Yorkshire as detectives work to establish the circumstances surrounding the discovery.
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