A MAJOR appeal has been launched to help identify a man who was found dead at a train station in Southend almost 25 years ago.

The man, who police have been unable to identify since his death, was found on the side of the railway line in Southend on November 15, 2000.

The man was last seen alive on CCTV at about 11.40pm the night before walking along the platform of Southend East Station in the direction of Southend Central Station.

The British Transport Police have now released an artist’s impression of the man in a bid to find his family or friends as part of a new campaign launched in partnership with BBC Crimewatch.

He was then seen by a train driver at 6.30am on November 15 lying dead at the side of the railway line, and it was confirmed he had not been struck by a train.

The man has been described as “unsteady” on his feet and “staggering”, but it is believed this was due to a medical condition, rather than drink or drugs. He was also not wearing any upper clothing, just jeans, a belt, and Tommy Hilfiger trainers.

British Transport Police described him as a black male, about 65 years old, around 5ft 9 to 5ft 10, average build, with a distinctive grey bushy beard.

Det Chief Insp Sam Blackburn said: “It is always a tragedy when anyone dies alone, and in unfamiliar and dangerous circumstances, and even more so when they have no apparent family or friends who are aware of their whereabouts - or indeed that they have died.

“There was nothing suspicious in any of these deaths but, despite significant enquiries at the time, their identities remain unconfirmed.

“We really hope by sharing these artist impressions, we can identify families and friends and give someone somewhere who is grieving the much-needed closure that they deserve.”

The police say there is nothing suspicious in any of the 20 deaths it has re-opened investigations into, but despite significant enquiries at the time, the identities of those found remain unconfirmed.

Four artist impressions were featured on BBC Crimewatch yesterday in the hope that someone may have information.

In turn, the information could help police close these cases and give closure to potential grieving family and friends.

Visit https://mipp.police.uk/operation/9301020122B04-PO1