A METAL plate found in the body of a man pulled from the River Ouse, in York, could be the key to his identity.

Detectives are to take the plate to surgeons at the country's major hospitals, in an effort to name a man who died more than a week ago.

Officers have been unable to identify the man, who was seen falling into the river, close to Scarborough Bridge, on Friday, October 12.

A post mortem examination on the body confirmed the cause of death as drowning. Chief Inspector Howard Harding, of North Yorkshire Police, has ruled out crime. Police have discovered that the man had undergone neck surgery shortly before he fell into the river.

Ch Insp Harding is hoping that the metal plate fitted during that operation will prove to be the missing link to his identity.

He said: "This is a new line of investigation. We believe the metal plate may have the signature of an orthopaedic surgeon who could then give us the identity of the patient.

"This kind of operation can only be performed at the more major hospitals. We have taken the metal plate from the body and are making inquiries."

Meanwhile, police have again urged anyone with information about the man to come forward.

He was white, and aged between 50 to 70. He was about 5ft 9in tall and of slim build. He had receding grey hair and a large surgical scar, stretching from his Adam's apple to his right ear.

When he was seen falling into the river, he was wearing black shoes, without socks, and turned-up greyish green trousers. His T-shirt and jumper had the word Gabicci printed on them.

Anybody with information is asked to contact York police on (01904) 631321.

Updated: 09:39 Saturday, October 20, 2001