A new computer-generated image of a man found dead more than 11 years ago has been released by cold case investigators trying to solve the mystery.
The man was found near Balmore Golf Club, in East Dunbartonshire, on October 16, 2011, and despite extensive inquiries and appeals, police still have no idea who the man is.
It is thought he could have been dead for up to six months before he was discovered.
Investigators at the Scottish Cold Case Unit at Glasgow Caledonian University have now released a new facial reconstruction and three dimensional images of the man’s clothing in a fresh bid to solve the puzzle.
Detectives say there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the man’s death but forensic analysis has revealed he suffered injuries before his death which may have affected his appearance, quality of life, and the way he walked.
They estimate he is between 25 and 34 years old, he is white European, between 5ft 8 and 6ft 1 tall, of slight build, with light-coloured hair.
Dr Maureen Taylor, co-director of the cold case unit, said: “We know he had a chip to one of his front teeth and injuries to his nose and jaw that he sustained in the months leading to his death.
“These injuries were not only left untreated, but would have caused him significant pain.
“We also believe that he may have walked with a limp or had difficulty walking.”
He was discovered wearing a blue Top Man T-shirt with a maroon diagonal stripe on the front, a blue zipped cardigan bearing the logo Greek Pennsylvania, light-coloured jeans and black waterproof walking shoes, commonly bought in Lidl.
In a nearby Nike messenger-type bag investigators found a number of items including toiletries, clothes, headphones, chargers, a lighter, and cigarette papers.
Professor Lesley McMillan, co-director of the unit which did the work in partnership with missing persons’ charity Locate International, said she hoped “someone will recognise his clothing or his belongings and help us establish who he is”.
“The Cold Case Unit has spent the last 18 months gathering as much detail as we can to progress this case,” she said.
Anyone who recognised the man can contact the cold case unit on 0141 331 3235 or contact Police Scotland on 101.
Detective Inspector Kenny McDonald, of Greater Glasgow Division, said: “This is a long term inquiry examining the circumstances of unidentified human remains, and a detailed forensic review of all physical matter has been conducted.
“This includes revisiting the recovery site, creating facial reconstruction imaging, and liaising with the UK’s Missing Persons Unit.”
