British Transport Police Unveils National Public Appeal to Identify Unknown Railway Deaths

Help BTP identify the families and friends of those who have died on the railway.

British Transport Police (BTP) has launched a national public appeal in a bid to identify a number of people who have died on the railway network that have never been identified.

The force has re-opened a number of investigations and is working in partnership with BBC Crimewatch to identify those who died on the railway network from over 20 years ago.

Four artist impressions were featured on BBC Crimewatch on Monday 11 March in the hope that someone may have information which could help police close these cases and give closure to potential grieving family and friends. There are also 8 other unidentified deaths (Op Abaka) which police are hoping to gain information on.

Detective Chief Inspector, Sam Blackburn, said: “It is always a tragedy when anyone dies alone, and in unfamiliar and dangerous circumstances, and even more so when they have no apparent family or friends who are aware of their whereabouts - or indeed that they have died.

“There was nothing suspicious in any of these deaths but, despite significant enquiries at the time, their identities remain unconfirmed.

“We really hope by sharing these artist impressions, we can identify families and friends and give someone somewhere who is grieving the much-needed closure that they deserve.”

BTP is working closely with the UK Missing Persons Unit, and other police forces and agencies to use more advanced forensic procedures and utilise more effective shared information databases, national and international, potentially creating much better opportunities to identify the deceased.

If you recognise any of these individuals or have any information which may assist the investigation teams, please get in touch via our MiPP portal by completing a form.