A police have launched a hunt after a man’s body was washed up on a Hampshire beach.

The mystery man was found on Southsea seafront near South Parade Pier at around 7.15am yesterday.

The man is described as:

• White

• 6ft to 6ft 5ins tall

• 30-50 years of age

• Well nourished

• Short dark hair

• Unknown nationality The circumstances of man the man’s death is unexplained.

Detective Inspector Jeff Huggett said: “We are conducting a number of enquiries to establish the man’s identity and how he died.

"We would ask members of the public to contact us if they have any information which could help us identify this man.

“We would also be keen to speak to anyone who has seen a pile of clothes or a bag abandoned, these may belong to the man.”

A post mortem examination is due to be carried out on Saturday, February 1.

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting Operation Palmaria. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 101.