Mystery surrounds dead man

David Knox 1607 - 1607 • Published 7 Jan 2009 07:00 0 Comments

A MYSTERIOUS man from Galashiels has been found dead in a remote Northumbrian barn.

The body was discovered near the village of Christon Bank on December 23.

Police initially believed he was of Cuban origin because of an address found in his pocket.

But investigations have led officers to trace the man, believed to have been in his mid 50s, back to the Borders.

And attempts have been made over the past few days to track down his next of kin.

A spokeswoman for Northumbria Police told the Border Telegraph: 'We hope to officially identify the man within the next couple of days but we must first notify his family.

'We do know that the man had lived as a vagrant for some time and was often seen around Christon Bank pushing a bicycle. We also know that he is originally from Galashiels.'

A shooting party from Embleton stumbled across the body at the roadside byre on the B1340.It is believed he had fallen through floorboards and broken his leg.

Local police have confirmed that the body is not missing handyman Peter Charlton.

The 51-year-old went missing from his Kilnknowe Caravan Park home on December 23.

And an appeal has been made for information of his whereabouts.

Sergeant Helen Birrell of Lothian and Borders Police told us: 'We know for certain that the two incidents are not linked - the dead man found in Northumbria is not Mr Charlton.

'We are appealing for him to get in touch with his family as soon as possible or make contact with his nearest police station to confirm he is safe and well.'

Mr Charlton is described as 5"6' of medium build with brown/greying hair, a moustache and with an English accent.

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This article appeared in Border Telegraph 06 Jan 09

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