The Express. — 1867-12-13 (London, England)

FATAL ENCOUNTER WITH POACHERS.  A desperate encounter took place on Thursday night near Pilley—a village situate nine miles from Sheffield and five from Barnsley—between a gang of poachers and a party of gamekeepers in the service of Lord Wharncliffe, of Wortiephall. The conflict, we regret to say, resulted in the murder of one of the keepers and the injury of another. It has been known to the keepers for some time that the neighbourhood was being frequently visited by poachers, and they have consequently been exercising an increased degree of vigilance. On Thursday night, between 9 and 10 o'clock, when it was moonli&ht, while two of his !ordship's watchers, named Thomas Mayes and Thomas Oram, were on duty in a wood near the of Piney, they detected • pug of five poachers, tb; engaged setting nets. The poachers were armed not only with guns, but with bludgeons, and they were also socempanied by a dog. The watchers, convinced that they were unable to cope with so formidable-looking • gang, sent, before discovering themselves, for his lordship's head keeper, Mr. Thirkell. He promptly responded to the call, and came to the assistance of his men. No sooner did the keepers discover themselves than they were attacked by the poachers, and • short but murderous encounter followed. Mr. Thirkell attempted to seize one of the poachers, and while struggling with him another of the gang seized • gun and at a distance of about four yards took aim and fired at him. The charge entered his abdomen, and he fell sad died almost iM11:10. diately. He was not, we understand, even heard to speak after being shot. With the murder of Thirkell the affray terminated, and the poachers, abandoning their nets, hastily made off in the direction of Thorpe Healey. They also left behind them a hat and • walking-stick, but they took with them the gamekeeper's gun. Oram, one of the watchers who was engaged in • desperate struggle with one of the poachers, received a severe blow with a bludgeon, and was partly disabled. The other watcher, Mayes escaped without much injury. From the severe blows Maya, were dealt the poachers by the keepers it is believed that at least four of them have carried off broken heads. This may prove an important clue to their detection. Information was at once conveyed to Wortley-hall. Lord Wharndiffe, with his steward (Mr. J. J. Smith) and other persons, visited the scene of the dreadful encounter, and everything likely to lead to the detection of the murderers was carefully collected. Telegrams were also forwarded to the police officers at Sheffield, Rotherham, and Barnsley, giving information of the murder , in order that the police might be on the alert. The body of the unfortunate gamekeeper was removed to the Parkhonse Farm, the residence of Mr. John Sykes, where it awaits the coroner's inquest. Mr. Thirkell, we understand, was • widower, and he leaves • large family, now doubly orphans. He has suffered much domestic affliction. At the present moment one of his daughters lies dead at hishome. On Thursday night information of the affair was circulated all round the neighbourhood, and hopes were entertained sitherthat the murderers would be captured or that a clue to their detection would be obtained. Should these hopes. not he realised, which we sincerely hope they may be, it is the intention of Lord Wharncliffe to offer a reward. At the time of our going to press the police at the Town-hall had received no information that any of the gang had been captured. It is almost needless to say that the shocking nein crested the greatest excitement in the neighbourhood, and late as it was many people visited the scene of the encounter.—Sheifteld Independent.