A national appeal by British Transport Police has been launched in a bid to identify the family and friends of those who have died on the rail network and who have not been identified.

The appeal is in partnership with BBC Crimewatch and has seen several investigations reopened with some cases going back over 20 years.

Monday the 11th of March saw four artist impressions shown on BBC Crimewatch, with the hope that they jog somebody’s memory, leading to potential information which could see a case closed and support grieving family and friends.

British Transport Police’s Operation ABAKA – Unidentified Fatalities, is also seeking to identify 8 other deaths.

The operation aims to investigate a selection of non-suspicious deaths on the rail network where a person’s identity was not discovered at the time.

It is hoped that the new enquiries, if successful, could lead to closure for family and friends of those who have disappeared.

Working alongside the UK Missing Persons Unit and other police forces and agencies, British Transport Police aims to make the most of advanced forensic procedures and shared information databases both nationally and internationally in order to support their investigations to identify those who have passed away.

Anyone who recognises any of the four individuals or feels that they have information which could support the investigations can get in touch by completing a form via the MiPP portal.

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.

Detective Chief Inspector, Sam Blackburn