Dead man’s image released as appeal goes nationwide

Oyster card suggests possible London link

The release of a computer generated image of a man found dead near Wincheap has still not helped police to identify him.

Detectives circulated the picture, right, on Friday, three weeks after the body was found in a farmer’s field.

The shock discovery was made by a dog walker on the morning of February 3, on land off Hollow Lane, Canterbury, near the A2 crossover.

Investigators are working on a number of theories, including the possibility the man had travelled to Canterbury from London and become disorientated.

He had on him a small black suitcase, an unregistered Oyster card and a book on clinical theology.

No identification was found and his fingerprints were not on file.

Tests have yet to establish how he died, but police remain convinced there are no suspicious circumstances.

A post mortem has been carried out, with tests expected to reveal if the man’s death was from natural causes or linked to hypothermia.

DS Gary Stamp said: “As part of our inquiries we are publishing a computer generated image of the man as he would have looked prior to his death.

“If anyone recognises the man from the image, or has any information that they think would be useful, Kent Police would very much like to hear from them.”

As part of the investigation, police have liaised with the National Crime Agency’s Missing Persons Bureau, but so far no one matching the man’s description has been reported missing.

DI Tracy Anstis says the discovery of the Oyster card turned the attention of detectives to the capital.

She said: “It suggests he may have had links to London, and one line of inquiry is that he was from the Walthamstow area.

“One theory is that he was visiting Canterbury and may have become disorientated.”

The man is described as white and in his mid 50s to late 60s.

He was of a slim to skinny build and was between 5ft 5in and 5ft 6in.

If you can help, call police on 101, quoting reference number 03-0188.