New development in cold case of man found in shallow water 44 years ago

The man was discovered in the Jack's Hill area of Epping Forest, near Theydon Bois, Essex, on September 25, 1982.

But more than four decades later, his identity remains a mystery.

Now, a cold case organization Locate International has launched a fresh appeal for information, supported by a new "living description" created by forensic artist Hew Morrison.

The man, who became known as 'Epping Forest Man', was believed to have been between 40 and 55 years old when he died.

The white male was 5'8", well nourished and had green eyes, short hair and a moustache.

He had been wearing a light brown corduroy zip front safari style jacket, maroon v-neck jumper, white vest and brown lace-up leather shoes.

'Epping Forest Man' suffered a lonely death in an isolated location and is now buried in an unmarked grave.

A statement to investigating police at the time reveals he was discovered by someone out foraging for mushrooms in the area, which they did every autumn.

When found, he was fully dressed except for trousers which were found nearby and the weather had been wet and stormy.

The heavily wooded area where his possessions and camping gear were found slopes sharply downward towards the stream, the ground was very slippery and it was reported that part of the bank had fallen away.

An inquest was held on January 18, 1983, with the cause of death recorded as hypothermia.

There was no evidence of drowning playing a part in the cause of death.

Toxicology reports revealed two drugs in his system, used at the time to treat schizophrenia and depression, one of which was at a level far above the therapeutic dose, indicating either an accidental or deliberate overdose, which may have contributed to his death.

These drugs also indicate he had recent contact with healthcare professionals.

His possessions found nearby indicated that he had been camping or sleeping rough in the forest for a short time, but was clearly well prepared, and may have been seeking solitude.

He had a blue sleeping bag, two groundsheets, a blue bag containing toiletries, a small fold-up umbrella, an ash walking stick, a pocket calculator in a case and a khaki-colored Berghaus Alpine Series rucksack.

CEO of Locate, Mark Greenhalgh, said: "The lonely and untimely death of this unidentified man, found in a remote beauty spot, follows a pattern we see all too often in reviewing cold cases.

"After 44 years with this appeal we hope to put a name to the face and a headstone on his unmarked grave.

"Someone out there, an old friend, workmate or distant family member could see this forensic reconstruction and help us bring closure."