Police ask for help in identifying body of man found in Southampton
Officers made the discovery in woodland on Southampton Common in April
Police are asking for help in identifying the body of a man found in undergrowth on Southampton Common.
Officers made the discovery in a wooded area on the Avenue, close to the junction with Burgess Road, at around 6.50pm on April 19th.
He was pronounced dead at the scene, with police not treating the incident as suspicious.
Police have released images of a number of distinctive tattoos the man had, which they are hoping will help people to come forward with details.
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 tattoos include one 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.
Officers investigating are working to identify the man, having conducted extensive enquiries in the local area – including liaising with homeless shelters, local Street Pastors and enquiring with local neighbouring forces in relation to missing people reports.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police 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.”
Anyone with information in relation to this incident can call 101 or report online, quoting reference 44240164627.
They can also report details anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.