New appeal over mystery remains

A clay recontruction was made of the man's head

Police investigating the discovery of human remains on Exmoor two years ago have made a fresh appeal for help.

The badly-decomposed male remains were uncovered on 13 March, 2002, off Halse Lane, near Winsford Hill on Exmoor National Park.

Avon and Somerset Police made national and international inquiries at the time, but were unable to identify the body or discover how the man died.

Now the force is making a fresh appeal for information.

Detective Inspector John Forrest said: "There have been extensive and protracted forensic examinations of the remains in the past year.

I am sure someone out there - a friend, acquaintance, a work colleague - knows what happened Detective Inspector John Forrest

"These have given us some clues, but we are still missing that vital piece of evidence.

"I am sure someone out there - a friend, acquaintance, a work colleague - knows what happened to him.

"We urge these people to come forward with any information, however insignificant it may seem to them, as it could help us solve the mystery."

As part of the investigation, scientific experts examined the isotopes - which act as a chemical signature - within the bones of the remains.

The tests showed the man probably spent the last 10 years of his life living somewhere between Poole in Dorset, Bristol, Plymouth and Bude in North Cornwall.

The man was aged 25-35, of slim build, 5ft 8ins to 5ft 9ins tall, had black hair and was wearing a gold chain with a pendant on it with a verse from the Koran.

"Someone living in the West Country knew him. I would urge those people to get in touch, " said Detective Inspector Forrest.