A FRESH appeal has been launched to finally identify a mystery man whose remains were discovered in the Forest of Dean more than 40 years ago.

Forest of Dean MP Matt Bishop has joined missing persons charity Locate International in urging residents to search their memories for information which could help restore the identity of the man, who has remained nameless since 1984.

The skeletal remains of the man, known as “Forest of Dean Man”, were discovered by two walkers on September 16, 1984, in woodland between Cinderford and the Speech House Hotel.

Despite extensive enquiries, his identity has never been established.

Mr Bishop recently joined representatives from Locate International at Yew Tree Brake Cemetery, where the man is buried in an unmarked grave, to lay flowers and renew the appeal for information.

Investigators believe the man was aged between 25 and 60, stood around 5ft 10ins tall and was of medium build.

He was wearing a green jumper, cream and brown shirt, grey slacks, cotton pyjama bottoms, brown socks and size 10 brown suede shoes.

A red nylon rucksack discovered nearby contained several potentially distinctive possessions, including a bone-handled penknife with the name “M. Tucker” scratched into its handle.

Other items included an Ordnance Survey map of Hereford, a Sunbeam electric razor, Swiss travelling alarm clock, security cabinet-type key, magnifying glass and scissors.

A 20p coin was also discovered. As the coin did not enter circulation until June 1982, it is believed the man died sometime between then and the discovery of his remains in September 1984.

Locate International is particularly keen to hear from people who lived, worked or regularly walked around Cinderford and Speech House during the early 1980s.

The charity wants to hear from anyone who remembers a lone walker or rambler in the area, recognises the clothing or possessions, remembers the name “M. Tucker”, or recalls somebody disappearing or suddenly losing contact with friends or relatives during that period.

People who remember rumours, conversations or local accounts surrounding the discovery which may never have been formally reported are also being encouraged to come forward.

Mr Bishop said: “It was very moving to visit the grave of a man who was found here in the Forest of Dean and who, more than four decades later, still remains unidentified.

“This is a local case, and our community may hold the key to resolving it.

“It may be a person they encountered, an item they recognise, or information they heard locally at the time. Please do not assume that someone else will already have reported it or that it is too small to matter.”

Dave Grimstead, co-founder of Locate International, said visiting the grave was a reminder that the man remained buried without his name more than four decades after his death.

“He was somebody’s relative, friend, neighbour or colleague,” he said.

“He had a life before he came to this woodland, and someone, somewhere, may still hold information that could help us understand who he was.”

Anyone with information can contact Locate International by emailing [email protected] or calling 0300 102 1011.