Clocaenog Forest 2015 murder case to be reviewed by police

A review of a decade-old murder case hopes to finally identify a victim whose remains were found dumped in a remote forest.

Campers found part of a man’s skull in Clocaenog Forest, Conwy county, in November 2015, leading to the discovery of his skeleton by police.

Tests showed he had suffered a serious head trauma and his body had been in the forest for several years – possibly since as far back as 2004.

But despite extensive tests and appeals, the man has never been identified and North Wales Police has announced a review of the investigation in collaboration with the National Crime Agency (NCA).

A police spokesperson said: “We can confirm an investigation into a body found in Clocaenog Forest in November 2015 is being reviewed by North Wales Police’s recently formed Major Crime Review Team.

“The team of detectives is working with the National Crime Agency and a leading team of specialists across the country to help identify the man.”

The man’s body was discovered at Pentrellyncymer, near Cerrigydrudion, by two brothers camping in the forest ahead of the Wales Rally GB, an international motor competition.

Forensics determined he was likely aged over 54 and between 5ft 8in (172cm) and 5ft 10in (177cm) tall.

His nose had been fractured at some point and he suffered from arthritis, police said at the time.

In 2016, officers appealed for help from dentists after the investigation revealed the man had undergone two identifiable dental procedures.

They said he had crown work done when the procedure was commonly performed in the UK between 1980 and 2000.

Two years later, police revealed the body had likely been left there between 2004 and 2010.

Detectives found fabric from a jumper sold between 2000 and 2004 and a label for Marks & Spencer underwear from 1999 to 2000 near the site.

However, detectives did not rule out that the body had been dumped prior to 2004.