Police launch investigation to identify body found off Salcombe

Officers are appealing to the public for information to help them identify a body that was found in the English Channel. The body was discovered by a vessel 46 miles off the coast of Salcombe, Devon, and was brought to Southampton on 23 September by the same vessel. The body is also believed to be male.

The person was found wearing a ZCCO full black wetsuit, with Slinx shoes and gloves. The person is believed to be white, between 20 and 40 years old, around 5ft 9, with size nine feet and dark hair on their legs and arms. No tattoos, scars or marks have been identified.

The police have said that they are not treating the death as suspicious but it is unexplained. They are keen to speak with anyone who may be able to assist identifying the person.

DI Howard Broadribb says: “We are working hard to understand who this person is and the exact circumstances of their death. I am sure that this person will have family and friends who have been extremely upset by their disappearance, and it is important to us to be able to locate them.

“The person was wearing a black ZCCO wetsuit with a diagonal zip across the chest, black divers gloves marked with the name Slinx, and black divers socks and rubber-soled shoes, also marked Slinx.

“We are keeping an open mind as to where this person could be from, including being from a European country. We know from our initial enquiries that this is not one of the divers who had gone diving at HMS Scylla off the coast of Cornwall around one month ago.

“If a friend or family member, who was a keen diver or water sport enthusiast, is missing, then we want to hear from you as we continue our investigation.”

People can get in contact by calling 101 and asking to speak with Hampshire Constabulary, quoting the reference number 44210383426. Alternatively, you can send a message online, giving the same reference number.