The man’s body was discovered in Claerwen Reservoir, Powys, in 2024, and extensive investigations have been carried out in a bid to identify him – but now police have released a digital reconstruction to help solve the case
Police have unveiled a digital reconstruction of a man whose remains were discovered in a Welsh reservoir 16 months ago, with only his wetsuit offering any clues to his identity.
The body was recovered by a walker at Claerwen Reservoir, Powys, on October 17, 2024, and his identity has remained an enigma ever since. Officers believe he had been submerged for up to 12 weeks prior to being found.
Apart from the wetsuit he was wearing, no other garments, jewellery or forms of transport were located in the vicinity, and he bore no identifying features such as scars or tattoos. Now, Dyfed-Powys Police is banking on cutting-edge technology to finally crack the case.
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Detective Inspector Anthea Ponting, who has spearheaded the investigation, explained: “In the absence of any personal belongings other than the wetsuit he was wearing, no identification documents or vehicles nearby, we began by working with neighbouring police forces to conduct checks for missing or wanted people who had not been traced.
“When this was unsuccessful, we extended our enquiries to contact all UK forces, ran searches through the Police National Database, and issued bulletins to police overseas through Interpol. We have also searched DNA, fingerprint and dental records for potential matches, and issued public and media appeals for information.”, reports Wales Online.
In-depth investigations have determined that the man was between 30 and 60 years old, approximately 6ft (1.83m) tall, weighed between 202lbs and 220lbs (91.5kg – 99.5kg), and was of white European heritage.
With the enigma yet to be cracked, Dyfed-Powys Police has collaborated with Face Lab at Liverpool John Moores University to create a facial reconstruction of the man, in hopes it will finally lead to his identification.
Face Lab utilised photographs, a post-mortem report, a forensic dental report, and a CT scan of the deceased to generate the image. The picture has also been circulated to the Police National Computer and Interpol for potential matches.
DI Ponting stated: “Until now, the only item available to progress our investigation was the wetsuit the man was wearing, which provided us with limited information around his height and weight.
“I implore anyone who believes they might recognise him to step forward. This is someone’s family member – someone’s loved one – and I would like nothing more than to return him to his loved ones who might be missing him.”
Professor Caroline Wilkinson, Director of Face Lab at Liverpool John Moores University, added: “Face Lab collaborates with police forces from around the globe and facial depiction from human remains can serve as a tool for recognition, providing new lines of investigation in relation to identity.
“Hopefully, someone who knew this man will now recognise his face and our facial depiction can assist the police in finally identifying him.”
Dyfed-Powys Police have appealed to anyone who visited the reservoir between July and October 18, 2024, and might be able to assist with enquiries, or knew of somebody who hadn’t been seen for a whilst and fitted the description provided, to come forward.
You can do so using the public portal, calling 101, or emailing 101@dyfed-powys. police.uk. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org..
