CCTV captures ‘witnesses’ to murder of Casey-Lyanne, 13, in Doncaster park

Detectives are hoping a man and woman pictured in the CCTV images can help with the investigation into the murder of Casey-Lyanne Kearney, who was stabbed in Elmfield Park, Doncaster, on Valentine’s Day.

Casey-Lyanne had left her home at around midday on Tuesday February 14 and caught a bus to Doncaster town centre, where she intended to meet a friend.

She was attacked in the park and managed to call the police as a passer-by phoned for an ambulance. The teenager was taken to hospital but died later.

The people in the images released today are just two of a number South Yorkshire Police want to trace as part of the inquiry.

A spokeswoman said they were all in or around the park at the time of the attack.

The man in the pictures is white and about 6ft with brown unkempt hair and could be in his early 20s. He was wearing light blue jeans, unlaced brown ankle boots and was possibly carrying a bag.

He was with an older woman, who is white, about 5ft 2in and of slim build. She has either grey or blonde straight hair. She was wearing a black knee-length padded coat, black trousers worn over black boots, with a small heel.

Officers believe she could be related to the man.

This couple walked from the direction of the Salutation Pub towards Elmfield Park. They had previously walked towards town from the direction of the park at noon.

Police also want to trace a teenage couple who were sitting on a bench on the left hand side path inside Elmfield Park. The male teenager was well spoken and had brown hair in what has been described as a Justin Bieber style.

His friend was female, also well spoken and had blonde hair.

Detectives are also seeking three other women from February 14.

A white woman, with blonde hair, who was wearing a cream or camel coloured sheepskin coat and was in the area of the park where Casey-Lyanne was being tended to.

The second woman is around 25 years old and of a petite or medium build. She has mid-length brown hair and was wearing a black coat, which was three-quarter length and tied at the front. She also wore brown boots and a skirt.

The last woman was seen to walk away from the park. She was wearing a pink Barbour style coat with a pattern on the back, a pocket on the left breast and white and blue trousers.

The final potential witness is a man who was said to be leaning on the memorial outside Elmfield Park fastening his shoelace. He was wearing a brown knee-length coat, trousers and shoes.

The spokeswoman said: “Police are also interested in hearing from anyone who was in the vicinity of Elmfield Park and South Parade between 1pm and 1.45pm on Tuesday, 14 February.

“If you have any information or helped Casey and have not already spoken to the police, please call 01709 443510.”

Hundreds of people, including dozens of school friends, gathered at St Wilfred’s Church, in the Cantley area of Doncaster, on Friday for Casey-Lyanne’s funeral.

• Hannah Bonser, 26, has appeared in court charged with Casey-Lyanne’s murder and possession of two knives. She is in custody and due to appear next at Sheffield Crown Court on May 10.