Strychnine in body of mystery moors man

Police are still trying to identify this man

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THE mystery man found dead on Saddleworth moor died from a lethal dose of strychnine poison.

The revelation is the latest bizarre twist in a worldwide search by a dedicated team of detectives to identify the man whose body was discovered near Chew reservoir, Greenfield, three months ago.

Police are still trying to establish a motive for him making a solo 200-mile trip by rail from a London suburb to Chew track, a popular route with walkers. Det-Sgt John Coleman, the Oldham CID officer leading the hunt, said today: “There are still many more questions than answers.”

Toxicology reports showed both the traces of the poison and a second drug used to combat high blood pressure or prevent mental health problems. The findings are provisional, ahead of an inquest which was formally opened and adjourned last week.

Strychnine is a highly toxic crystalline powder which can be ingested, inhaled of injected in solution.

In the past it was used in pills to treat human ailments, but today is mainly used as a pesticide, though is illegal to buy in much of the western world.

The findings come ahead of a second post-mortem this week and add another intriguing dimension to the saga which has involved the Metropolitan police, Interpol and a nationwide trawl across UK GPs in a bid to identify him. He has been named Neil Dovestones by mortuary technicians, referring to the area of moorland in which he was found.

Initial police inquiries focused on the man’s last journey from Ealing Broadway station to London Euston and Manchester Piccadilly on December 11. CCTV footage showed him leaving Piccadilly station and some time later he appeared at the Clarence pub Greenfield, asking directions “to the top of the mountain.” He was found dead on a grass lay-by at the side of the track the following morning, and carried no identification, mobile phone, credit cards or keys.

An examination of the body found an 11cm titanium plate supporting a broken left femur - inserted in Pakistan between 2001-5.

Detectives have begun to sift thousands of files on men who had similar operations in Pakistan with the help of the titanium plate manufacturers, health authorities and the British Consulate.

Now, with poison topping the inquiry agenda, the empty plastic bottle is undergoing more detailed examination.

IF you know the man’s identity, call GMP: 0161 872 5050.