Southend man found dead in 2000 needs identifying, police say

Fresh efforts are being made to identify a man found dead in a city centre 25 years ago.

He was found lifeless near Southend East railway station in Essex on 15 November 2000, having been seen wandering in the area the day before.

The man, who was wearing a green jacket and brown trousers, was believed to have been homeless and about 65 years old, British Transport Police (BTP) said.

“The circumstances here are truly tragic,” said a BTP spokesperson.

“A man dying alone with no apparent family or friends aware of their whereabouts and, after all this time, still in the dark about their death.”

The man had been seen walking along the platform at Southend East station on 14 November that year.

The following morning, he was found dead close to the scene.

BTP said the man was known to frequent the city centre and was 176cm (5ft 7in) in height.

“Despite significant inquiries at the time and since, this man’s identity remains unconfirmed and their next of kin uninformed,” the force added.

“We’ll be conducting further inquiries in Southend-on-Sea over the coming days so that we can give someone somewhere who has spent far too long without answers some much needed closure.”