Appeal to identify remains of man found at industrial estate

Police are appealing for information to help identify human remains found at an industrial estate in Fife.

They were discovered in Whitehill Road, on the Whitehill industrial estate in Glenrothes, on Sunday, September 27.

A team of specialists who have been analysing the remains have so far determined that they are those of a male who was at least 35 years old, of slight build, and around 5ft 8in.

The man had lost a number of his teeth during his life, and had a surgical plate attached to his left ankle.

Detective Chief Inspector Kevin Houliston said: “The death of this man remains unexplained and our inquiries are continuing to find out who he is and how he came to be on the estate.

“There are a number of features that may help us to identify him.

“He had a surgical plate attached to his ankle and we believe this was fixed to his left ankle during surgery sometime between late 1998 and early 1999.

“Inquiries thus far have revealed that it is likely he died at least two years ago.”

Officers are in the process of checking all missing person records in the UK and are urging people with information to come forward.

DCI Houliston said: “We are keen to speak to anyone who used or visited the industrial estate at any time. There have been instances of fly-tipping and youths have also gathered there from time to time over the years.

“It has attracted attention from groups with an interest in ‘Urban Exploring’, who may have been to the site in the past.

“I would also appeal to members of the travelling community who may be able to help us as the site has been visited by them, as well as business owners who have used the site.

“This man had a family, he was someone’s son and might even be a father, uncle or brother. It is important that we find out who he is to bring closure to his family.

“I would urge anyone who may have any information, no matter how small, to come forward. If you visited the site and saw something, no matter how long ago, then please get in touch.

“Likewise, if you have any photographs taken at the site call us. They may show vital information that will help us in our investigation.”

Information, including photographs, video and images, can also be submitted through the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP), which is a website that gives members of the public access to a form so they can send information direct to the major incident teams via https://mipp.police.uk/