Artist impression released of skull brought ashore in Shoreham

On September 12, 2014 fishermen from Newhaven dredged up the skull while fishing off Newhaven. They brought it into Shoreham when they landed the following day and local police officers took possession of it.

Forensic examination has shown that it is the skull of a man, believed to be in the overall age range of 30-71 at the time of death, but most likely to have been 40-60, police have confirmed.

Police said extensive enquiries have been made, including checks with the National Crime Agency’s UK Missing Persons Bureau and with the national DNA database, but no information has yet been obtained that would identify the man.

Sussex Police asked the Missing Persons Bureau for further help and they engaged forensic artist Anneli Pilsbury who has produced this impression based on an assessment of how the man would have appeared.

Police have said the case is regarded as unexplained but not suspicious. The area in which it was found is a recognised lawful sea burial area so police think the skull could have come from a burial at sea. It is hoped that some family members may feel this comes from a loved one buried there, or perhaps from a missing person they have previously reported.

If so they can contact UK Missing Persons Bureau via [email protected], or call 0845 000 5481 or Sussex Police via [email protected] or call 101, quoting Sussex serial 1261 of 12/09.

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