Police identify body of a man found on Exmouth beach

Police have identified the body of a man found on an Exmouth beach in July 2012. Clifford John Thorne, who was known as John, has been positively identified by a DNA sample and by his family. He was 67 years old.

He had last been seen at his home in Oxford on the morning of 27th January 2012 when he told his family that he was going out to buy a newspaper. He had not been seen since.

At about 8.30am on Wednesday 18th July 2012 his body was found on the shoreline of Cockles Sands near Exmouth. A subsequent DNA test revealed his identity.

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.

It is believed that he had 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 follows:

• 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.