Body could have been undiscovered for days (From Daily Echo)

Southampton police say man's body could have been in Coxford woodland for a number of days

12:52pm Thursday 22nd July 2010 in Crime By Sian Davies, Senior News Reporter

POLICE believe the body of a man who was found in a Southampton stream could have been there for several days.

A post mortem carried out yesterday failed to determine a cause of death and so further tests are being done to shed any light on what may have happened to him.

The examination could only put the age of the man at anywhere between 24 and 50 due to the decomposed state of the body. Due to the warm weather and the fact he was found in water, pathologists could only say he had been in the stream for at least three to four days.

Although police are keeping an 'open mind' on the cause of death initial findings suggested there was no obvious injury that could have caused his death.

As previously reported dog walker Terry Clarke made the gruesome discovery while walking his dog in woodland behind Princess Anne maternity hospital in Coxford on Tuesday evening.

Detective Chief Inspector, Dave Powell, said: "At the moment we can not say for certain how he died. We can't rule out that his death may be suspicious, equally it may not be.

"We need to establish exactly what happened to lead to his death. At the moment we also have no idea who he is. He had no identification on him and no one has been reported missing to us at this stage who fits his description He was very tall at 6ft 5 inches which does mean he was quite distinctive.

"I am now appealing for anyone who thinks they may know who he is or has any other information that may help us with this investigation to get in contact with us."

Police are hoping a description of what the man was wearing could help identify him as he was found without any identification on him and no missing people in the area have been reported.

The man also had size 11 to 12 feet and reddish brown hair. Although he could be aged between 24 and 50 officers believe he is likely to be at the younger age of that.

He was of athletic build and had his left ear pierced twice - though he wasn't wearing any earrings and had no tattoos.

At the time he was discovered he was wearing an extra large size purple round-neck t-shirt - 'TU' brand and dark blue trousers. He was also wearing Asics Gel trainers.

The cordon around the area where the body was found has now been lifted.

Police spent yesterday at the scene which is a popular walkway with locals which runs from allotments at Springford Road.

Detectives are appealing for regular users of the cut through or anyone who may recognise the description to get in touch with the Major Crime department at Hulse Road on 0845 045 4545, quoting Operation Savannah.