Appeal launched to identify man whose body was discovered in Southampton earlier this year

Police were called at approximately 6:50pm on Friday, April 19 to reports of a man’s body being located in undergrowth in a wooded area on the A35, The Avenue, close to the junction of Burgess Road.  

The man was pronounced dead at the scene and the police have been unable to identify him. He is described as being white, of skinny build, approximately 5ft 8ins tall and is believed to be approximately 60 years old.

He had short grey/white hair with a long grey beard. The man had a number of distinctive tattoos and the police have issued pictures of these.

He had a tattoo on his upper left arm of a skull with a top hat shaded in and a phoenix tattoo on the inside of the same arm. On his right arm was a tattoo of a flower with a ribbon wrapped heart.  

He had on a red hoody, dark coloured t-shirt and had upon his person two pairs of trousers. The man also appeared to be aided by a walking stick found in his possession.  

Detective Constable, Holly Gillespie, said: “We appreciate that the discovery of the body was some time ago now, however, despite our best efforts, we are unable to identify the deceased.

“I want to urge people to think carefully about their neighbours or people they see regularly in Portswood or the surrounding area. 

"Maybe you haven't seen someone in the last few months that you regularly see in and around the local area and matches the description of the deceased. 

"Anything that comes to mind, no matter how small you think it may be, we want to hear from you, as it could be vital in allowing us to make contact with this man's family.”

The police have conducted extensive enquiries in the area to try and identify the man, but they have been unsuccessful.

Anyone with information in relation to this incident can call 101, quoting reference 44240164627. For more information about the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, click here.