New pictures released in renewed appeal to identify body found in Northumberland forest 35 years ago

Northumberland: New pictures have been shared to help identify a body found 35 years ago. The man was discovered in Wark Forest on February 2, 1990.

He is believed to have been there for four to 12 months. Some think he might be Christopher Oliver, an American, but this is unconfirmed.

Locate International, a charity focused on finding missing people, released a new image of the man. Known as the Wark Forest Man, he was likely between 20 and 40 years old.

At the time, he was described as having a dark European ethnicity. A facial reconstruction was shared in newspapers, leading to a potential lead from a hotel worker.

The worker thought the image looked like Christopher Oliver, who checked into a hotel in October 1989. A book found near the body matched one missing from the hotel.

Reports suggested he stayed at another hotel shortly after. However, his whereabouts after that remain unknown.

The updated image shows him wearing two jackets: a green Vander anorak and a Lee denim jacket. He also had mismatched brown walking boots and blue trousers.

In his bag, there were two ropes, a torch, a water bottle, a whiskey bottle, and a book titled “History of London” by Robert Gray.

Locate International says time is running out to identify him. They urge anyone who recognizes the name Christopher Oliver or the man’s description to reach out.

Mark Greenhalgh, CEO of Locate International, asked if anyone remembers a North American-accented traveler in Northumberland back then.

He emphasized that no one should be forgotten in death. They hope to uncover the man’s identity with public help and forensic specialists.

If you have any information, contact Locate International at appeals@locate.international or call 0300 102 1011.

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