E-fit released of man found dead on plane at Gatwick Airport

His body was discovered in the aircraft's undercarriage on a flight from The Gambia

Author: Vanessa BellringerPublished 2nd Jun 2023
Last updated 2nd Jun 2023

Police have released an e-fit image of a man who was found dead on a plane at Gatwick Airport.

The in-bound flight from The Gambia’s capital, Banjul, arrived at Crawley around 4am on December 7th last year.

Detectives have been working with the country’s High Commissioner, Interpol and HM Coroner after his body was discovered in the undercarriage of the aircraft.

Sussex Police DI Darren Lillywhite said: “This was a tragic case, and we are working to establish the identity of the man found deceased.

“We have now produced an e-fit image of the young man, believed to be aged in his 20s or 30s, which we have shared with authorities in The Gambia.

“Somewhere, this man will have relatives or loved ones who do not know what has happened to him.

“We hope to be able to identify him for the purposes of an inquest to be held by HM Coroner, which may at least provide some answers and closure for those who knew him.

“In particular, we are seeking contact from anyone in the UK that may have been expecting to meet a friend or family member who failed to arrive in December, as well as anyone in The Gambia or neighbouring countries, who may have knowledge about an individual who made travel plans to come to the UK or Europe.”

Anyone who recognises the man is asked to report it to Sussex Police online, quoting serial 101 of 07/12, or contact the relevant authority or Interpol.

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