Clocaenog Forest Murder Victim Review

Published: 27 November 2025 Thursday. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

A decade-old murder case in North Wales is being revisited in the hope of finally identifying a man whose remains were discovered in a remote forest. The body, found in Clocaenog Forest in Conwy county, has remained unidentified despite extensive investigations, leaving both the community and police seeking answers for more than ten years.

In November 2015, two brothers camping in Clocaenog Forest, near Pentrellyncymer and Cerrigydrudion, made a grim discovery: part of a man’s skull protruding from the forest floor. Their report to the authorities prompted a police investigation, which soon revealed a complete skeleton. Forensics determined that the man had suffered serious head trauma and that his remains had been in the forest for several years, potentially dating back as far as 2004.

Despite numerous appeals to the public, forensic tests, and the collaboration of national experts, the man’s identity remained elusive. North Wales Police has now announced a review of the case, led by their newly formed Major Crime Review Team, in partnership with the National Crime Agency (NCA) and other specialists across the UK.

A spokesperson for North Wales Police said: “We can confirm an investigation into a body found in Clocaenog Forest in November 2015 is being reviewed by North Wales Police’s Major Crime Review Team. The team of detectives is working with the National Crime Agency and a leading team of specialists across the country to help identify the man.”

The victim’s remains were initially discovered in an area commonly used by campers and hikers attending the Wales Rally GB. While the site is remote and forested, it is accessible enough that the discovery by the brothers shocked local communities and raised concerns about a possible violent crime that had gone unsolved for years.

Forensic analysis estimated that the man was over 54 years old at the time of his death and measured between 5ft 8in (172cm) and 5ft 10in (177cm) tall. Examinations revealed that his nose had been fractured at some point in his life, and he suffered from arthritis. Investigators also noted identifiable dental work, specifically crown procedures performed between 1980 and 2000 in the UK, which prompted a nationwide appeal to dental professionals for assistance in identifying him.

In 2016, authorities issued requests to dentists across the country, seeking anyone with records that matched the victim’s dental work. Despite this effort, the man’s identity could not be confirmed, and the case eventually became a cold file, leaving unanswered questions about who he was, how he came to be in Clocaenog Forest, and the circumstances of his death.

The new review aims to bring fresh perspectives, updated forensic techniques, and modern investigative methods to the case. Experts are expected to use advancements in DNA analysis, facial reconstruction, and genealogical databases to identify the victim and potentially link the crime to known suspects.

Detective Inspector Rhys Griffiths, overseeing the review, emphasised the significance of the investigation: “Cases like this, where a victim has remained unidentified for so long, present unique challenges. However, modern technology and dedicated forensic expertise give us renewed hope that we can finally provide closure to the victim’s family and bring justice in this longstanding case.”

The Clocaenog Forest case has long intrigued both the public and true-crime enthusiasts. The combination of a remote location, a body hidden for years, and the lack of identifying information has made it one of North Wales’ most enduring unsolved mysteries. Community members have expressed hope that the renewed investigation could finally reveal the identity of the victim and uncover the circumstances surrounding his death.

Over the years, police have explored multiple theories, ranging from accidental death to foul play. The discovery of serious head trauma suggests that the man may have been murdered, although the passage of time and the exposure of his body to environmental elements complicated forensic conclusions.

Efforts to identify him have included appeals for missing persons, cross-referencing dental records, and consultation with forensic anthropologists and pathologists. However, despite these extensive efforts, the victim remained anonymous, leaving the case unresolved and the community unsettled.

The Major Crime Review Team intends to re-examine every piece of evidence, including forensic reports, field notes, and photographic records from the initial investigation. They will also explore digital methods, including mapping software to assess possible travel routes and historical activity in the forest, as well as revisiting witness statements and public tips from the original investigation.

Investigators hope that the integration of modern technology with traditional detective work may provide breakthroughs. DNA phenotyping, which can estimate physical traits and ancestry from genetic material, and genealogical databases may offer potential leads that were unavailable a decade ago. Additionally, enhanced facial reconstruction techniques may allow the creation of an accurate image of the victim, which could be distributed to the public to aid identification.

North Wales Police has urged anyone who may have information, whether from personal experiences in the forest, historical encounters, or knowledge of the victim, to come forward. Even minor details, they stress, could prove crucial in helping to solve the case.

The review also demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies to revisit cold cases and apply new investigative approaches to ensure that victims of violent crime are not forgotten. The collaboration with the National Crime Agency and other national specialists highlights the seriousness with which authorities are treating this case.

Community leaders have welcomed the review, emphasising the importance of resolving such cases for the wider public. “Identifying this man is not just about solving a decade-old mystery; it’s about justice, accountability, and providing closure,” said local councillor Megan Hughes. “It reminds us that even long-forgotten cases deserve attention and that modern forensic science can make a real difference.”

As the review progresses, there is cautious optimism among law enforcement, local residents, and true-crime observers that the man’s identity can finally be determined. Should the victim be identified, it may open new avenues in the investigation, potentially leading to charges against those responsible and resolution for what has been a tragic, unexplained death in Clocaenog Forest.

In summary, the Clocaenog Forest murder case represents a significant challenge for investigators due to the passage of time and the lack of identifying information. However, advances in forensic technology, combined with a dedicated review by North Wales Police and the National Crime Agency, offer hope that the man’s identity will soon be revealed. The renewed investigation underscores the ongoing commitment to justice and the potential of modern science to solve even the most challenging cold cases.