Police are again appealing to the public in the Southend area to help and identify this man. He was found dead next to the railway line near Clifftown Road Southend on Wednesday 15^th November 2000.

Brief Circumstances – The male was seen on CCTV at 11.40 pm the night before walking along the platform of Southend East Station in the direction of Southend Central Station. He was described as unsteady on his feet. The male was then seen by a passing train driver at 6.30am the following morning lying dead at the side of the railway line. He had not been struck by a train. Although the cause of death was ‘unascertainable’ it is believed he died of hypothermia. He was not wearing upper clothing when found. Weather conditions that morning were clear and frosty. Toxicology tests were conducted on the male - no drugs and very little alcohol was found. It may be the case that he was described as ‘staggering about’ due to illness.

A witness reports seeing the male at 11.30 am that morning and he was staggering around as if he was drunk. This witness later saw him at 10.35pm at Southend East Station and again at 11.40 pm on the London bound platform. The Booking Office Clerk in the station also reports the male staggering around at this time and he ejected him from the station for his own safety. Later at 10.20pm when the Clerk had finished work he again saw the male hanging around.

Description of Deceased – Black male, about 65 years old, 176cm in height, average build, thick greying bushy beard, receding afro hair, green wax oilskin jacket, brown waxed oilskin trousers, 2 dark green oilskin jackets (found nearby) leather belt with gold buckle, scruffy white Tommy Hilfiger trainers.