Unidentified man found dead in plane undercarriage at Gatwick shown in new e-fit
Detectives trying to identify a man found dead inside a plane after it landed at Gatwick have released an e-fit image.
His body was discovered in the undercarriage of a Tui flight that left from The Gambia’s capital, Banjul, on December 7.
It’s hoped someone who knows the victim, believed to be in his 20s or 30s, might recognise him from the image.
Police have not commented on how the man died, which will be explored at an upcoming inquest.
The 2,760-mile journey usually takes about six and a half hours by plane.
Stowaways who attempt to travel in a plane’s undercarriage, where the landing gear retracts between takeoff and landing, face survival odds of less than 25%, according to research.
Fatal risks include hypothermia, induced by temperatures as low as -63°C, oxygen deprivation due to low atmospheric pressure, decompression sickness and being crushed by the retracting gear after takeoff.
There is no indication that police suspect foul play.
Detective Inspector Darren Lillywhite said: ‘Somewhere, this man will have relatives or loved ones who do not know what has happened to him.
‘We hope to be able to identify him for the purposes of an inquest to be held by HM Coroner, which may at least provide some answers and closure for those who knew him.
‘In particular, we are seeking contact from anyone in the UK that may have been expecting to meet a friend or family member who failed to arrive in December, as well as anyone in The Gambia or neighbouring countries, who may have knowledge about an individual who made travel plans to come to the UK or Europe.’
‘Anyone who recognises him is asked to contact us at Sussex Police online, quoting serial 101 of 07/12, or contact their relevant authority or Interpol.’
The e-fit has also been shared with Gambian authorities.
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