Mystery Explained: Alfred Swinscoe Pub Toilet Disappearance Case Solved

Alfred Swinscoe, a father of six, was last seen at the Miners Arms pub in Pinxton, Nottinghamshire, in January 1967. At the age of 54, he went to use the pub's restroom and never returned. He had asked his son to buy a round of drinks around 10:30 p.m. before heading outside.

For 57 years, Alfred disappearance remained a mystery until his remains were discovered in a farmer’s field in Sutton-in-Ashfield in April of the previous year. His grandson, Russell Lowbridge, was initially indifferent about the case. However, a photograph of a pair of unusual socks posted by the police triggered a vivid memory for him. Russell recalled wearing his grandfather’s socks as a child, which led him to contact the authorities.

After providing a DNA sample, it was confirmed that the remains were indeed Alfred’s. The investigation revealed that Alfred had been brutally murdered. He suffered severe injuries, including blunt force trauma to the head, sharp force trauma to the jaw, and signs of a violent struggle, such as a broken hand and rib injuries. It appeared that Alfred fought fiercely for his life.

In January, Alfred was finally laid to rest in Sutton-in-Ashfield, alongside his son, daughter, and wife, who had remained unmarried since his disappearance. Nottinghamshire Police’s Assistant Chief Constable, Rob Griffin, described Alfred’s death as "the most horrendous way imaginable."