The North Wales Police Major Crime Review Team is renewing its investigation into the murder of an unidentified man whose remains were discovered in Clocaenog Forest, Conwy, in November 2015.
The remains were found during a stage of the Wales GB Rally after a spectator discovered parts of a human skull in the forest.
Following a forensic examination at the scene, the near complete skeletal remains of the man were recovered.
In the extensive investigative work that followed, it was established that the body had lain undiscovered for more than 10 years and that the man had suffered a violent death.
Accordingly, investigating officers have treated this case as a murder investigation from the outset.
Despite the completion of detailed forensic and investigative work, along with several high-profile media appeals, the man has never been identified.
However, detectives have established the following details about the victim:
- He was born prior to 1950
- He is believed to have died sometime between 2004 and 2011
- He is likely to be of Caucasian descent
- He is estimated to be between 5 feet 8 inches and 5 feet 10-and-a-half inches tall
- He was well built
- He likely suffered longstanding back problems
- He was missing several teeth prior to death.
More than a decade on from the initial discovery, investigating officers hope that advances in DNA recording processes will provide new lines of enquiry.
Mark Pierce, who leads the force’s Major Crime Review Team, said: “This man was someone’s family member or friend, and we believe there will be people out there who recognise him.
“Even the smallest piece of information could be crucial in helping us identify him and understand what happened.
“We hope that the more comprehensive resources now available will finally allow us to establish this man’s identity. This is the first step in finding out who is responsible for the injuries inflicted.
“Advances in DNA analysis give us the opportunity to cross-reference samples taken from the victim against a more comprehensive database, potentially yielding a familial link.
“We have also created mocked up facial images Which show how the man may have looked in his 50s, 60s and 70s.
“We are urging anyone who might recognise the man in these images, or who has any information that could assist the investigation, to come forward.
“This includes anyone who knew someone who went missing during the mid-2000s and matches the description.”
To make a report, contact North Wales Police via 101, or via their website, quoting ‘Operation Tractile’.
Anyone with information, and who prefers not to speak directly to the police, can pass on what they know whilst staying anonymous via www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling the charity’s 24/7 UK Contact Centre on 0800 555 111.
Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information provided directly to them and that leads directly to the individual/s responsible for the murder.
The reward will remain valid for three months and is due to expire on 16 April 2026.
Those who contact Crimestoppers either via their website or by calling their UK Contact Centre will retain 100% anonymity.
