THE KEY to identifying the mystery body washed up in Poole Harbour nearly a year ago was yesterday unveiled by detectives.

The young male was found floating near Parkstone Yacht Club in January - and investigating officers believe a clay reconstruction of the dead man's features will unlock the puzzle surrounding his identity.

Attempts to uncover the dead man's name have been hampered because the body was badly decomposed after having been in the water for several months.

An exhaustive national and international investigation has so far proved fruitless, prompting police to take the unusual step of commissioning a forensic artist to complete the reconstruction.

Officers hope that yesterday's press conference, held at Dorset Police Headquarters, will result in the likeness of the mystery man being broadcast across the nation and provide the vital information that has so far eluded them.

"It is extremely unusual to be in a situation where we cannot identify a dead person," said DC John Gately, of Poole CID.

"But the reconstruction could provide the major breakthrough we are looking for."

Di Cullington, from the National Missing Persons Helpline, is the person responsible for the reconstruction.

"Somebody out there knows who this person is - we just have to hope they see the reconstruction and recognise the face," she said.

The man is described as aged between 16 and 25 years, approximately 5ft 8in tall and was wearing brown corduroy trousers with a black belt, black boots and white socks.

Any information to DC Gately on 01202 223333 or the coroner's officer on 01202 789154.