Face of mystery man found dead in woods reconstructed as police appeal for help with identification

Forestry worker discovered human remains near Bathurst Estate in Cirencester

Reconstruction of unidentified dead man's face (Professor Caroline Wilkinson, Liverpool John Moores University)

The mystery surrounding the remains of man discovered in the Gloucestershire woods last year continues, prompting police to appeal to public for help in solving it.

A forestry worker made the grisly discovery near the Bathurst Estate in Cirencester on 1 May 2018.

Despite a series of forensic and DNA examinations, investigators have been unable to identify the man, so Gloucestershire Constabulary has launched a public appeal for information.

Following reports from both a forensic anthropologist and odontologist, the force believes that the dead man was white, between five foot five and five foot eight inches tall, He may have been of a large build.

Analysis suggests that the man was between 28 and 31 years old, but could possibly have been older.

“It is hard to know for definite, so he could have been anywhere between the ages of 28 and 55,” said a spokesperson for Gloucestershire Constabulary. “We have recently used the services of an expert in facial reconstruction to create an image of what it is believed the man looked like and we hope that this will also help to identify him."

The body was clothed in a black or dark grey Peter Storm raincoat, a grey or blue short sleeved shirt with hand stitched repairs, a black gilet and blue trousers with a dark leather belt. Dark trainers with a white sole and a beige baseball cap were found next to the body.

A small Sony wireless FM radio, aviator sunglasses, a wind up torch and a Karrimor rucksack, which had a white plastic bag covering it in an attempt to waterproof it, were also nearby and these are distinctive items which may help to identify him.

No personal items such as a mobile phone or identification were found, leading police to suspect the man was an “isolated” and “transient” character.

Sunglasses found next to unidentified dead man (Gloucestershire Constabulary)

Due to the location where the remains were discovered, it is believed that he may have been travelling between Cirencester and Stroud.

It was previously thought that the individual may have been a homeless man who is known to the area but this is no longer the case.

The spokesperson added: “We understand that it may be hard to think back this far but if you know of someone who matches the above description that you haven’t seen for some time, or believe that you’ve previously driven past this man within the county please let us know by calling 101 and quoting Operation Octave.”

Information can also be submitted via email at Op.Octave@gloucestershire.pnn.police.uk or our online form: http://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/operationoctave