Missing man was in Weymouth before his death (From Dorset Echo)

Missing man was in Weymouth before his death

3:24pm Wednesday 6th February 2013 in News

A MAN found dead on a beach visited Weymouth before his death, police have revealed.

Clifford John Thorne, 67, was discovered on Cockle Sands, near Exmouth, Devon, last summer. It was not apparent who the man was and a DNA test has revealed his identity as that of a man who has been missing from Oxford since last January.

Devon and Cornwall Police are working with Mr Thorne's family and Thames Valley Police to piece together his movements and to establish the circumstances surrounding his death.

A police spokesman said Mr Thorne, known as John, is believed to have been in the Weymouth, Torquay and Exmouth areas as well as Newport, South Wales.

Some of Mr Thorne's belongings are missing and detectives are asking for the public's assistance to find this property to help identify his last movements. The property is described as:

*A Franklin Mint round eagle watch with a gold-coloured face in the shape of an eagle

*A silver link chain of medium thickness

*A watch with 'John Thorne' engraved on the rear

*A small flat black leather wallet containing a Barclaycard and bus pass in the name of Clifford John Thorne

*Four keys on a key fob with an image of a Welsh dragon

*A plain nylon navy jacket with a collar and two side pockets

Anyone who has any information about John Thorne or his missing possessions is asked to contact Devon and Cornwall Police on 101 quoting reference KE/12/1669.