United Kingdom CLOCAENOG FOREST MAN: WM, 54-100, found at Clocaenog Forest near Corwen, UK - 14 Nov 2015 - Head trauma

Dentist's 'unique work' could unlock mystery of murdered man dumped in woods 22 years ago​

Detectives say a dentist who recognises their own work could be key to identifying a man who was murdered and dumped in a forest more than a decade ago.

Two campers found part of the man's skull in Clocaenog Forest, Conwy county, in 2015, leading to the discovery of his skeleton by police.

But despite extensive tests, and a £20,000 Crimestoppers reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible, the man has never been identified.

North Wales Police, which has issued a renewed appeal for information, said that the man's teeth - which were described as having "unique" work including fillings, crowns and root canals - could help them to finally identify him.

"We firmly believe that if you were the dentist you would recognise your work - it's quite unique," Det Supt Chris Bell from North Wales Police told BBC's Crimewatch Live.

He said X-rays of the man's spine also showed that he had arthritis which would have caused him back pain.

"That back pain may not have been disclosed to family and friends or loved ones," he added.


But more than 10 years since the discovery, police said they were "no closer" to identifying the victim.

"We firmly believe that that male would have been left at that location between 2004 and 2011," said Det Supt Bell.

"Because of the delay in the time that we believe that the body was left, and the time that we got notified, we don't have the benefits of a traditional crime scene."

Can you help solve the mystery of man found dead in North Wales forest?​

We're offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information that leads to the conviction of those responsible for the murder of a man whose remains were discovered in Clocaenog Forest, North Wales, in November 2015.​

Following extensive forensic examinations, experts believe the man was born before 1950 and was likely of Caucasian heritage.

He is thought to have been between 5’ 8” and 5’ 10.5” tall, with a well-built frame and a history of back problems. It’s believed that he died sometime between 2004 and 2011.

The man had several missing teeth before his death, and significant injuries have led detectives to treat this as a case of murder. Despite detailed work by investigators, his identity remains unknown.

As part of renewed efforts to solve this case, police have released mock-up facial images showing how the man may have looked aged in his 50s, 60s and 70s.