Police renew appeal to ID man found dead in 2024

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary A police e-fit image of a man with short white hair and a long white beard. He has light blue eyes and prominent jaw bones, and appears to be wearing a red/orange hooded top. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary
Hampshire Police has released an e-fit image of the man, who was found dead in Southampton in 2024

Police have renewed an appeal to identify a man who was found dead in a wooded area more than two years ago.

The man, thought to be about 60, was found in undergrowth in Southampton off the A35, The Avenue, near the Burgess Road junction on 19 April 2024 shortly before 19:00 BST.

He was pronounced dead at the scene but, despite extensive inquiries Hampshire Police has been unable to establish his identity.

The force has now released an e-fit image of the man in the hope that someone may recognise him.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary Three individual close-up pictures of tattoos. The first is a black outlined mythical bird with bright pink and blue detail. The second is a blurry dark grey/blue outlined skull with a top hat. The final tattoo has a black outline with a red green and blue flower above a heart with ribbons.Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary
Police previously released images of three of the man's distinctive tattoos

He is described as white, of skinny build and approximately 5ft 8ins (1.7m) tall with short grey/white hair and a long grey beard and was wearing a red hoody over a dark t-shirt.

The man was also believed to use a walking stick which was found in his possession.

Hampshire Police said his death is not believed to be suspicious.

Previously, the force released details of distinctive tattoos found on the man's body, which included a skull wearing a top hat, a phoenix and a flower with a ribbon-wrapped heart.

Officers liaised with homeless shelters, Street Pastors and neighbouring police forces in efforts to identify him.

Members of the public are urged to contact police if they recognise the man or have information that may help the investigation.