POLICE have identified a man whose body was recovered from the English Channel more than two years ago. But they are still investigating how he died.

Officers were able to identify him after receiving fresh information, and they are appealing for help in finding out why he had left his home in West Yorkshire and travelled to Kent.

Sean David Hutchinson, aged 20, lived near Pontefract and was last seen in nearby Haverscroft on June 21, 2003. His body was recovered from the Goodwin Sands off Deal on July 8 that year.

Police would like to hear from anyone who recognises Sean or had any contact with him either on his way to Kent or when he was in the county.

Officers are liaising with their counterparts in West Yorkshire, where Mr Hutchinson had been reported as a missing person.

"We don’t know why he left Yorkshire and what happened to him between June 21 and July 8, 2003," said DCI Tony Kofkin.

"We have had further information which has helped us to identify him, which is why we are now keen to establish the circumstances surrounding his death."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Sgt Stuart Ward on 01303 850055.

DCI Tony Kofkin and DI Kenny Ingram are travelling to Yorkshire to liaise with officers there.

A post-mortem was carried out when the body was recovered from the sea and proved inconclusive.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Sgt Ward on 01303 850055.