The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Body had lain for at least two years
Police release details of mystery man
A man whose decomposed remains were found on a Fife industrial estate is thought to have died at least two years ago and had several distinctive features, police have revealed.
Detectives have appealed for the public’s help in a bid to identify the body which was discovered in Whitehill Industrial Estate in Glenrothes on the evening of Sunday September 27.
Detective Chief Inspector Kevin Houliston said yesterday the man was aged at least 35, of slight build and was 5ft 8in to 5ft 9in tall. He had lost a number of teeth during his life and also had a surgical plate on his left ankle.
DCI Houliston said: “It is important that we find out who he is to bring closure to his family.”
Police have revealed that a man whose human remains were found at a Fife industrial estate last month is likely to have died at least two years ago.
Detectives still do not know the identity of the man found at Whitehill Industrial Estate in Glenrothes and are appealing for the public’s help.
The badly decomposed remains were found on Sunday September 27 on the estate in Whitehill Road and extensive inquiries have so far failed to identify who he is.
Forensic and scientific exam ina t ions have confirmed that the remains are that of a man aged at least 35, potentially older, of slight build and around 5ft 8in to 5ft 9in tall.
It was evident he had also lost a number of teeth during his life.
Detective Chief Inspector Kevin Houliston, of Police Scotland’ s major investigation team (East), said: “There are a number of features that may help us to identify him.
“He had a surgical plate attached to his ankle and we believe this was fixed to his left ankle during surgery some time between late 1998 and early 1999.
“Inquiries thus far have revealed that it is likely he died at least two years ago.
“Officers are in the process of checking all missing persons records in the UK, but he may not have been reported missing and I would urge anyone who can help us to identify this man to come forward.”
Mr Houliston added that police are particularly keen to speak to anyone who used or visited the industrial estate.
He explained: “There have been instances of flytipping and youths have also gathered there from time to time over the years.
“It has attracted attention from groups with an in teres t in ‘urban exploring’ who may have been to the site in the past.
“I would also appeal to members of the Travelling community who may be able to help us as the site has been visited by them, as well as business owners who have used the site.
“This man had a family, he was someone’s son and might even be a father, uncle or brother.”
Contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 2692 of Sunday September 27 2020, or send an email direct to operationrimau@scotland.pnn.police.uk
A call can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Information, including photographs, video and images , can also be submitted through the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) which is a website that gives members of the public access to a form so they can send information direct to the major incident teams via www.mipp.police.uk