Reward offered by charity over family man’s murder

Simon Holdsworth, 36, was found on December 17 off Birley Spa Lane in Hackenthorpe, near Rainbow Forge Primary School and the Hogs Head pub.

Mr Holdsworth left work in the Intake area of Sheffield at about 10.55pm the previous night before boarding a number 120 First Bus about five minutes later, from a stop close to the Noah’s Ark pub in Mansfield Road, but never made it home.

A post-mortem carried out on the victim, who worked as a paint sprayer and had just set up his own fishing tackle business, found he died from severe head injuries.

Mr Holdsworth was due to be married in August next year, and leaves behind a step-son Tiarnan, who turned four on Christmas Eve.

During a South Yorkshire Police press conference last month his partner Carleen McKeown said his death had “ripped his family apart”. She said: “When we got the house it was a safe area. I have lived in the area for years. The field was dark but it was a safe area.

“I don’t know who hurt him but if anyone knows anything please help us. Even if it is something you don’t think is a significant piece of information, please tell the police.

“I don’t hate the person that has done this because Simon was warmth and Simon was love. I just want to know why, why did this happen.”

Mr Holdsworth’s mother Christine also paid tribute to her son, describing him as a “lovely, lovely son” who “was always there if anyone needed help, always there on the frontline”.

Independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers is now offering a reward of up to £5,000 for information on the murder. A spokesman said: “This is a heartbreaking time for the family of Simon, who has been taken away from them too soon.

“A son has had his dad taken away and a fiancé her future husband, while family and friends search for answers as to why?

“Crimestoppers would urge anyone with information to contact the charity anonymously, safe in the knowledge that no one will ever know you contacted us.”

Lead investigating officer, Temporary Detective Superintendent Phil Etheridge of South Yorkshire Police, said: “I’m very grateful to Crimestoppers in coming on board to help with this murder investigation.

“Crimestoppers work closely with police forces but the member of the public remains anonymous throughout the process of passing on information about a crime.”

Anyone with information should contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through the anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.