Appeal for help to identify body found in Lancaster

The body was discovered by a farmer at around 11.40am on Monday August 10 on the salt marshes on the Lune estuary near to Glasson Dock.

Despite extensive enquiries since the discovery, officers have so far been unable to identify the body or locate any next of kin.

The man is described as white, approximately 5ft 7in tall, aged between 30 to 70 years with brown collar length hair.

He was wearing a blue “highpoint” waterproof hooded jacket, a black jacket with a “northern profile security services” motif on the left chest area, a red and green/blue woollen jumper, a multi-coloured checked shirt, black boots and a burgundy beanie hat with an “Adidas” motif on the front.

There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the man’s death and the Coroner has been informed.

DS Simon Ball from Lancaster CID said: “While we do not believe there are any suspicious circumstances to this man’s death, he has not yet been formally identified and we are appealing to the public for their help. If anyone recognises the man’s description or has any information about who he might be I would urge them to get in touch with us. We are keen to identify who this man is so that we can track down any family members and inform them of his death.”

The man’s details, including the artist’s impression and photographs of his clothing, have been published on the UK Missing Persons Bureau website. They can be found here: http://missingpersons.police.uk/en/case/15-004961

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting LC-20150810-0467.

A public funeral has been arranged for the unidentified man at 9.30am this Thursday, March 3, at Torrisholme Cemetery, Westgate, Morecambe.

Representatives from Lancaster City Council will be in attendance.

Coun Karen Leytham, Cabinet member for environmental health, said: “It is always very sad when officers are called upon to arrange public burials, knowing that a person has died without the comfort of having family and friends to look out for them and help fulfil their final wishes.

“Even so, our officers deal with each case with utmost tact and diplomacy, working with other parties including the mortuary service, landlord or care home to conclude matters efficiently but with dignity.

“It is hoped on this occasion, that a last minute appeal to find anyone who knew the gentleman will see someone come forward on Thursday to pay their last respects.”