Fresh DNA tests in bid to ID Clocaenog Forest murder victim
North Wales Police have reopened the investigation into the murder of an unidentified man whose remains were discovered in Clocaenog Forest, Conwy, in November 2015.
The remains were found during a stage of the Wales GB Rally after a spectator came across part of a human skull in the forest.
A forensic examination led to the recovery of near-complete skeletal remains. Investigators determined that the body had lain undiscovered for more than ten years and that the man had died violently.
Detectives have treated the case as a murder investigation from the outset, but despite extensive forensic work and several media appeals, the victim has never been identified.
Police have established that the man was born before 1950 and is believed to have died between 2004 and 2011.
He is thought to be of Caucasian descent, around 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 10 and a half inches tall, well built, and likely suffered from longstanding back problems.
He was also missing several teeth before his death.
Investigating officers hope that advances in DNA technology will provide new leads.
[L to R: how the man may have looked aged in his 50s, 60s and 70s]
Mark Pierce, who leads the force’s Major Crime Review Team, said: “This man was someone’s family member or friend, and we believe there will be people out there who recognise him.
“Even the smallest piece of information could be crucial in helping us identify him and understand what happened.
“We hope that the more comprehensive resources now available will finally allow us to establish this man’s identity. This is the first step in finding out who is responsible for the injuries inflicted.
“Advances in DNA analysis give us the opportunity to cross-reference samples taken from the victim against a more comprehensive database, potentially yielding a familial link.
“We have also created mocked up facial images which show how the man may have looked in his 50s, 60s and 70s.
“We are urging anyone who might recognise the man in these images, or who has any information that could assist the investigation, to come forward. This includes anyone who knew someone who went missing during the mid-2000s and matches the description.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact North Wales Police via 101 or the website, quoting ‘Operation Tractile’.
Information can also be given anonymously via Crimestoppers at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
or by calling 0800 555 111.
Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information provided directly to them that leads to the person or people responsible for the murder.
The reward is valid until 16 April 2026.
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