Tattoos could identify man found in undergrowth

Police have released the images of three tattoos in the hope someone will know who the man is

Images of three tattoos on the body of a man found dead in undergrowth six months ago have been released by police hoping to identify him.

The man was found in a wooded area in Southampton off the A35, The Avenue, near the Burgess Road junction on 19 April shortly before 19:00 BST.

Police said he had a tattoo of a skull with a top hat and a phoenix on his upper left arm, and a flower with a ribbon wrapped heart on his right arm.

Thought to be aged in his 60s, the man's death has been deemed to be non-suspicious, police said.

Officers had contacted homeless shelters, local street pastors and investigated missing person records in an attempt to establish his identity, the force said.

The man, who had short grey/white hair with a long grey beard, was described as white, 5ft 8ins tall and skinny by police.

He was found wearing a red hoody, dark coloured t-shirt and had a walking stick.

Det Con 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."