E-fit bid to identify body washed up on Devon beach

Police have launched a nationwide appeal for information after a man's body was washed up on the south coast.

Detectives have released an e-fit image of the man, whose body was discovered between Exmouth and Lympstone in Devon on 18 July.

After carrying out numerous inquiries and eliminating any local missing people, both his identity and the cause of his death still remain a mystery, police said.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Joanne Hall, of Exmouth CID, said: "There is nothing to indicate foul play, although police are keeping an open mind as to how the man died.

"We do know that the man did not drown or have a heart attack, and there is nothing suspicious on the body.

"What we are desperate to do is to identify him - somebody somewhere must know this person and be missing him. We hope that this e-fit will help in tracking down any family or loved ones he may have had."

Ms Hall said the team wanted to throw the net wider than the immediate Exmouth area.

She said: "We are still in the process of examining tidal patterns to establish where he may have been brought in from but it is not thought he may just be from the Exmouth area - he could have come from anywhere on the nearby coast or even a passing ship."

The man is described as in his 50s or 60s, approximately 6ft tall and of medium to stocky build, with short, grey hair in a crew cut which was growing out, and a brown moustache.

He was found wearing navy-coloured jeans, black Reebok trainers, a black T-shirt, a shirt and a chunky black belt with silver engraved trim.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.

PA