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Man found dead in city woodland identified

Dave GilyeatSouth of England
Hampshire Constabulary A police officer wearing a yellow hi-viz jacket and cap is attaching a poster to a lamppost. At the top of the poster it says Appeal. The rest of the writing is too small to be seen in the photo.Hampshire Constabulary
Appeal posters include QR codes to help people report information have been put up throughout Southampton Common

A body which prompted a murder investigation after being found in a remote wooded area of Southampton Common has been identified.

Ernest Konrad Deputat's body was found close to the wildlife reserve in the centre of the common, north of the Ornamental Lake on 8 October where police said there was also evidence of a fire.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary had been working to identify Mr Duputat, 45, from Southampton, since the discovery.

His family have been notified and are being supported by specialist officers. The force's major crime team continues to investigate his death.

Senior investigating officer Det Ch Insp Matt Gillooly, said: "First and foremost, my thoughts are with Ernest's family at this unimaginably difficult time. We will continue to support them.

"Our hard work will also continue as we remain focused on determining Ernest's final movements, so that we can achieve answers and justice for his family."

Officers previously appealed for anyone who saw smoke or a fire near the nature reserve in recent months to come forward.

During the Park Run on the common on 11 October neighbourhood policing officers spoke to participants and put up posters with QR codes linking to a website where people can submit information.

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