Ryan Kettlewell named after Sheffield woodland shooting death, Wales 2026

Key Points

• Ryan Kettlewell, aged 38, from Sheffield, was found murdered by gunshot in Ecclesall Woods yesterday afternoon.
• The South Yorkshire Police force began investigating murder charges after the post-mortem revealed that he died because of gunshot injuries.
• A 34-year-old woman and a 36-year-old man were arrested for murder in Manchester yesterday and were released on bail.
• The family of Mr Kettlewell said he was “a lovable character who will be sorely missed” in their statement released via South Yorkshire Police force.
• Detective Chief Inspector Andy Knowles requested anybody with any information to contact South Yorkshire Police with incident reference number 821, 2 September 2026.

Wales (Wales Times) September 05, 2026 – South Yorkshire Police have named Ryan Kettlewell, 38, from Sheffield, as the man found shot dead in woodland, after his body was discovered by a member of the public at about 18:45 BST on Wednesday. A forensic post-mortem examination established that he died as a result of a gunshot wound, prompting officers to open a murder investigation and begin detailed enquiries into the circumstances surrounding his death.

As reported by BBC News, a family statement released through South Yorkshire Police described Mr Kettlewell as a “lovable character who will be missed”, adding:

“We will always continue to love him and will miss him greatly.”

Det Ch Insp Andy Knowles, the senior investigating officer, said:

“We are committed to finding answers of how Ryan lost his life,”

and appealed for anyone with information, “no matter how irrelevant or insignificant you believe it to be”, to come forward as it could be the “missing piece we need”.

What do police say about the murder investigation in Ecclesall Woods?

South Yorkshire Police said emergency services were called to Ecclesall Woods at 6.46pm on Wednesday (2 September) after the ambulance service reported that a man’s body had been found by a member of the public. While formal identification was pending at the time of initial updates, a forensic post-mortem examination subsequently confirmed that the man died from a gunshot wound, leading detectives to treat the case as a homicide.

As reported by the Yorkshire Post, Det Ch Insp Andy Knowles described the incident as “devastating” and said thoughts remained with all those who knew the victim, while confirming that the investigation was in its early stages and officers were working “relentlessly” to piece together events leading up to the death. He added that police patrols were taking place in the area and encouraged anyone with concerns or questions to speak to officers on scene.

Who was arrested over the Sheffield woodland shooting?

Following initial enquiries, officers arrested a 34-year-old woman and a 36-year-old man in Manchester on Thursday (3 September) on suspicion of murder. As reported by the Manchester Evening News, the pair remained in police custody for questioning as the murder probe developed, with a secured scene maintained in Ecclesall Woods near Whirlowdale Road while further inquiries were conducted.

Subsequent updates from South Yorkshire Police, cited by BBC News, confirmed that the 34-year-old woman and 36-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder had since been bailed as the investigation continued. Police have not released further details about the identities of those arrested, in line with standard practice during an active homicide inquiry.

What have Ryan Kettlewell’s family said?

In a statement released through South Yorkshire Police, Ryan Kettlewell’s family paid tribute to him as a “lovable character who will be missed”. They added:

“We will always continue to love him and will miss him greatly,”

in a brief but emotional tribute as they come to terms with his death.

The family’s comments were issued as police continued to appeal for information, with Det Ch Insp Knowles saying: “Our thoughts are with all those who knew and loved Ryan,” while urging the public to assist with the investigation.

How can the public help the Ecclesall Woods murder probe?

South Yorkshire Police have asked anyone with information to contact them on 101 or online, quoting incident number 821 of 2 September 2026. As reported by the Yorkshire Post, Det Ch Insp Knowles emphasised that even details which may seem “irrelevant or insignificant” could prove crucial to establishing how Mr Kettlewell lost his life.

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, offering an alternative route for witnesses or individuals with concerns who do not wish to speak directly to police. Officers have maintained a presence in Ecclesall Woods near Whirlowdale Road and encouraged local residents to approach them with any questions or concerns.

Background to the development in Ecclesall Woods

The discovery of Ryan Kettlewell’s body in Ecclesall Woods prompted an immediate police response, with the area near the junction of Abbey Lane and Whirlowdale Road cordoned off while initial examinations were carried out. Early police statements described the death as “unexplained” pending formal identification and post-mortem results, before the case was reclassified as a murder investigation once the gunshot wound was confirmed.

Ecclesall Woods is a well-used public green space in south Sheffield, and the presence of a major crime scene led to visible police activity and forensic work over subsequent days. The arrest of two people in Manchester the following day signalled a rapid development in the inquiry, with detectives travelling out of South Yorkshire to detain the pair before releasing them on bail as evidence-gathering continued.

Prediction: how could this development affect Sheffield residents and woodland users?

The naming of Ryan Kettlewell and the confirmation of a murder investigation in Ecclesall Woods are likely to heighten concern among local residents and regular users of Sheffield’s green spaces, particularly those who walk or exercise in the area during evening hours. While police have stressed that the inquiry is ongoing and have not suggested any wider risk to the public, high-profile homicide cases in familiar local settings often lead to increased caution, changes in routine, and calls for greater visible policing in parks and woodlands.

For the community around Ecclesall Woods, the development may also reinforce demands for clear, timely updates from South Yorkshire Police to avoid speculation and reassure residents that the area remains safe for everyday use. If the investigation produces further arrests or charges, it could shape local perceptions of safety, influence how woodland paths are used after dark, and prompt wider discussions about lighting, patrols, and community support for families affected by violent deaths in Sheffield.