Investigation into unexplained Merthyr Tydfil death continuing

Man named and officers appeal for any sighting of missing trainers

Police in Merthyr Tydfil are continuing to investigate the unexplained death of a 50 year-old man from the Cwmbran area.

Steven Hodges’ body was discovered by a member of the public at approximately midday on Sunday, 8^th September, 2019, on a piece of land within Taff Fechan Nature Reserve.

When his body was discovered he was missing a black and green camouflage jacket and his trainers – a pair of white Reebok ‘classics’ trainers – they have never been recovered.

Officers are appealing to anybody who may have seen these items of clothing somewhere in or around the area to make contact.

They are also continuing their appeal for motorists who would have been driving along the A465 Head of the Valleys road in the early hours of Sunday (8^th September), between midnight and 2am, between Cefn Coed and Dowlais, to check their dashcam footage for sightings of a man walking along that road towards Dowlais.

A Home Office Post Mortem was carried out and it has been confirmed that Steven died from a head injury.

The man’s next of kin is being supported at this difficult time and has provided a picture of Steven.

Anybody who has information is urged to contact South Wales Police via 101 quoting reference *331644 or they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A 37 year-old man from Merthyr Tydfil who has been questioned in connection with the incident is current on bail pending further enquiries.