The man’s body was discovered on the north shore of the River Thames in 1983 but has never been identified
The body of a man found on the River Thames more than 40 years ago has still not been identified – but a new living depiction could help finally put a name to him. The man was discovered on the north shore of the River Thames near Barnes Bridge in south-west London on September 6 1983.
More than four decades later, his identity remains a mystery. Now, a cold case organisation, Locate International, has launched a fresh appeal for information, supported by a new “living depiction” created by forensic artist Hew Morrison. The man, who has become known as Barnes Bridge Man, was believed to have been around 35 years old when he died.
He had a distinctive appearance with ginger hair, long sideburns and blue eyes, 167cm (5ft 5 inches) tall with a stocky build. A post-mortem examination found blunt force trauma injuries to his body, as well as abrasions to both hands.
The coroner recorded an ‘open’ verdict in the case, with marks and injuries suggesting he may have been in an altercation shortly before he entered the river.
Locate International said he had only been in the river for a short time before being washed downstream to the shore near Barnes Bridge. A dedicated investigation team at Locate has now reviewed the evidence in the case shared by UK policing.
The original UK National Crime Agency file has few details of personal possessions or clothing, but some significant jewellery, which suggests a London Irish community or Irish traveller connection.
Two rings and a ‘Claddagh’ pendant, a traditional Irish design depicting two hands holding a heart topped with a crown, symbolising love, friendship and loyalty, were found on the body.
Investigators say the Claddagh pendant was very popular with Irish men from the Traveller community in the 1980s, and the investigation team at Locate have been exploring any potential links.
A distinctive Telstar watch was also found with the body, manufactured and sold extensively in Ireland during the 1970’s and 1980’s.
Working from the original autopsy photograph and sketches, forensic artist Hew Morrison used a combination of advanced techniques to create a lifelike depiction of what the man may have looked like, and they hope it will jog memories among his former friends, workmates, or distant family.
He said: “During the process of creating the living depiction of this man, I had to take into consideration post-mortem changes to his facial appearance, the angle that he had been photographed at, poor lighting and the overall quality and resolution of the image, which had been photographed with a grainy, black and white camera film.
“Numerous stock images of human faces were used to develop the head and each individual facial feature. Once the appropriate features were selected, they were modified to match the facial features of the unknown man.
“Digital drawing and painting were applied to adjust the tone of all of these elements before being morphed together to complete the facial image.”
Dr Mark Greenhalgh, CEO of said: “This striking new image and the detailed work of our investigation team provides a real opportunity for someone to put a name to Barnes Bridge Man after almost 43 years.
“Someone out there, an old friend, workmate or distant family member could see this forensic reconstruction and help us bring closure to this cold case.’
