Cold Case Unit aims to solve mystery of Balmore Man
Cold case investigators today released a new facial reconstruction image in a bid to identify a man whose body was found in woods just outside Glasgow more than 11 years ago.
Mystery surrounds the discovery of human remains in woodland near Balmore Golf Club, East Dunbartonshire, on 16 October 2011.
There were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death but despite previous appeals and extensive inquiries, police have, so far, been unable to establish his identity.
In a fresh bid to solve the case, investigators at the Scottish Cold Case Unit at Glasgow Caledonian University, in partnership with missing persons' charity Locate International, have released a new facial reconstruction and 3D images of the man's clothing.
The images, produced by the University of Dundee, are being showcased online alongside photos of the man’s belongings and drone footage of the woodland, close to Golf Course Road, where his body was found.
Forensic analysis has revealed the man suffered injuries before his death which may have affected his appearance, quality of life and gait.
It’s estimated he was aged between 25 and 34, 5ft 8in – 6ft 1in tall, of slight build, white European, with light-coloured hair.
Dr Maureen Taylor, co-director of the Scottish Cold Case Unit at Glasgow Caledonian, which is made up of Criminology students and academic staff, said: "The team have been undertaking inquiries around the clothing he was wearing and his belongings, a geographical profile of the location in which he was found, and missing men from the UK and Europe.
"We know he had a chip to one of his front teeth and injuries to his nose and jaw that he sustained in the months leading to his death.
"These injuries were not only left untreated but would have caused him significant pain. We also believe that he may have walked with a limp or had difficulty walking."
He was discovered wearing a blue Top Man T-shirt with a maroon diagonal stripe on the front, a blue zipped cardigan bearing the logo Greek Pennsylvania, light-coloured jeans and black waterproof walking shoes, commonly bought in Lidl.
A number of personal items including toiletries, additional clothing, headphones, chargers, a lighter, and cigarette papers were found in a Nike messenger-type bag near his body. It’s thought he could have been dead for up to six months before he was discovered.
Professor Lesley McMillan, co-director of the Unit, said: “We hope the information and images in our appeal jog someone’s memory. Perhaps someone will recognise his clothing or his belongings and help us establish who he is.
“The Cold Case Unit has spent the last 18 months gathering as much detail as we can to progress this case. We greatly value the relationship we have with Police Scotland and are grateful to our colleagues at the University of Dundee for the renewed facial reconstruction and support with 3D imaging.
“We would encourage anyone with information that might be relevant, no matter how small, to please get in touch with us.”
Detective Inspector Kenny McDonald, of Greater Glasgow Division, said: “I am extremely grateful for the diligent work Glasgow Caledonian University have carried out on this case.
“This is a long-term enquiry examining the circumstances of unidentified human remains, and a detailed forensic review of all physical matter has been conducted. This includes revisiting the recovery site, creating facial reconstruction imaging and liaising with the UK’s Missing Persons Unit.
“With the support of Glasgow Caledonian, I hope this new image will offer fresh leads which could help to finally identify the man and bring closure to any members of his family.”
Anyone with information can email ColdCaseUnit@gcu.ac.uk or phone 0141 331 3235. Full details of the case, and a form that can be completed anonymously, is available online. Alternatively, contact Police Scotland on 101.