Police need help to identify body found near The Avenue

The man was found dead near the busy road on Friday, April 19, at around 6.50pm, and now six months on, police are hoping the public will be able to help them identify him.

They described the death as "non-suspicious".

Hampshire Constabulary officers were called around 6.50pm on Friday, April 19, to reports of a man’s body being located in undergrowth in a wooded area on The Avenue, close to the junction of Burgess Road.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene and police said have so far been unable to identify him.

The tattoo police are hoping people may recognise (Image: NQ)

He is described as being white, of skinny build, approximately 5ft 8ins tall and is believed to be approximately 60 years old.

He had short grey/white hair with a long grey beard.

The man had a number of distinctive tattoos – which police have pictures of and hope a member of the public will recognise them.

A tattoo on his upper left arm of a skull with a top hat shaded in and a phoenix tattoo on the inside of the same arm.

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On his right arm was a tattoo of a flower with a ribbon wrapped heart.

He had on a red hoody, dark coloured t-shirt and had upon his person two pairs of trousers.

The man also appeared to be aided by a walking stick found in his possession.

Officers investigating are working to identify the man, having conducted extensive enquiries in the local area – including liaising with homeless shelters, local Street Pastors and enquiring with local neighbouring forces in relation to missing people reports.

Detective Constable Holly Gillespie, said: “We appreciate that the discovery of the body was some time ago now, however, despite our best efforts, we are unable to identify the deceased.

"I want to urge people to think carefully about their neighbours or people they see regularly in Portswood or the surrounding area.

"Maybe you haven't seen someone in the last few months that you regularly see in and around the local area and matches the description of the deceased.

"Anything that comes to mind, no matter how small you think it may be, we want to hear from you, as it could be vital in allowing us to make contact with this man's family.

"Anyone with information in relation to this incident can call 101, quoting reference 44240164627."