Fresh clues over skull found at Shropshire beauty spot

Experts say the skull, found by a dog with a shooting party at Sweeney Mountain near Oswestry in November, may have been from a man of Afro Caribbean ethnic origin.

And they say plant debris from the skull does not appear to be from Britain or north west Europe but points to a sandy habitat, possibly from a Mediterranean or tropical country.

Police are continuing their efforts to unravel the mystery of how the human skull, thought to be that of a man who died about 50 years ago, came to be in dense woodland at the beauty spot.

No other bones were found during extensive police searches of the area and pathologists have been unable to determine the cause of death or if the man was a victim of crime.

But scientific study of the remains has provided some clues.

Police say the skull, which has the jaw missing but is otherwise complete, does not appear to have been buried. It seems to have been lying on the surface for a relatively short time before being found.

Police are now hoping someone will come forward with an explanation as they continue efforts to identify the man.

Although it has not been possible to gauge physical details such as height or build, detailed forensic studies through anthropology, odontology, pathology, carbon-dating, DNA and botany, have provided some important information.

The skull is thought to be that of a fairly young man, the best estimate being in the 25 to 40 age group.

Also, he is much more likely to be of Afro Caribbean ethnic origin than Caucasian, although Yemeni, Indian or Japanese origins are also possibilities.

Anyone with information should call Shrewsbury police station on 101 or contact the anonymous Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

A full inquest will take place in Shrewsbury on August 14.