Police release new images in bid to identify body found by motorway

Police investigating the discovery of a man's body near a motorway junction have issued details of his personal effects in an attempt to identify him.

West Mercia Police hope images of a jacket and a bracelet similar to those found beside the M54 in Telford, Shropshire, will help the public put a name to the man.

Inquiries into the discovery of a skull and other remains, made by a road worker on August 20, have established that they belonged to a male thought to be aged between 30 and his late 40s.

A full DNA profile of the man has been obtained and detectives believe he was between 5ft 7in and 5ft 11in.

It is thought the body had remained undiscovered for at least three years, and the man is now known to have been wearing a black "dare2be" outdoor jacket, a navy blue George at Asda T-shirt, and dark-coloured Nike tracksuit bottoms.

He was also found in possession of two bracelets, including one thought to be a "Kara" bracelet usually worn by Sikhs.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Jamieson, who is leading the investigation, said: "I am very keen to get members of the public to assist me and my team in identifying this individual.

"It has taken some considerable time for us to piece together a description of this individual.

"We have been working closely with the National Crime Agency, forensic experts including anthropologists, ondontologists and the forensic pathologist."

Admitting that the task facing officers is very challenging, Mr Jamieson added: "Since this discovery we have been contacted by a number of people regarding missing individuals, some of whom have never been reported missing to the police.

"At this stage of the investigation we are still unable to ascertain the cause of his death.

"We are keeping an open mind as to how the man came to be in such a location and how he died; however, I cannot rule out that he may have been subjected to a crime, and that is something the public can help me with.

"The metal bracelets are obviously a line of inquiry and as such we have been in contact with our Sikh community locally to share this and again ask for any information as to who this man is.

"It is essential that we do all we can to identify him and return him to his family and loved ones."

Anyone with information regarding the possible identity of the man is urged to contact the West Mercia Police and Warwickshire Police Major Investigation Unit based in Telford by dialling 101.