DETECTIVES fear the mystery of a middle-aged man found in the River Ouse more than a year ago may never be solved.

Despite a nationwide appeal, they have been unable to identify the man's body found at Naburn Lock, near York, 14 months ago. Photographs of a clay model of the man's head were issued to the press in the hope that they might spark some recognition.

North Yorkshire coroner Geoff Fell will open an inquest on the unidentified man next Tuesday at the United Reformed Church, in New Lane, Selby, and in the absence of any relatives, will decide whether he will be buried or cremated.

Det Insp Steve Maud said the formal public hearing would mark the final chapter for the mystery man.

He said: "I still have hope that someone will recognise him from this reconstruction and will contact us, but this may be the last throw of the dice in terms of putting a name to this poor man."

The body was recovered from the river at Naburn Locks, near York, on September 12. It appeared to have been in the water for some time and was badly decomposed.

A post-mortem examination could not establish a cause of death, but there was no obvious trauma to the body, which could have fallen into the river anywhere between Little Ouseburn and the Humber.

The man's details have been circulated nationally and a reconstruction of the man's head was created by expert Steph Davy at the Department of Forensic Pathology at Sheffield University.

The clay model was shown on TV on Crimewatch UK, but despite 20 new leads from members of the public, officers were unable to identify the man.

The man was 5ft 7in tall, weighed 11 stone and was aged between 40 and 60. He was wearing navy blue Umbro tracksuit bottoms with yellow detail, Adidas trainers and red football socks with white tops.

Anyone who has any information about the man, or recognises the images of his head, should phone the York Police witness line on 01904 669884.

Updated: 10:33 Wednesday, November 24, 2004