DETECTIVES ARE trying to identify a man who was found dead in a plane at Gatwick Airport after flying from Gambia, police have said.

The lifeless body was discovered in the undercarriage of a Tui plane which took off from the capital of Banjul and landed at 4am on December 7 2022. 

Sussex Police have now released an e-fit of the man, who is thought to be in 20s or 30s, as they desperately continue their investigations into the tragic case and attempt to inform his relatives.

The flight from Gambia to London is around six-hours long. 

Police have not commented on what could have caused his death which an inquest later hopes to reveal. They are also working with the High Commissioner for Gambia, Interpol, and HM Coroner to try and identify the unknown man. 

Darren Lillywhite, Detective Inspector at Sussex Police, 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 being urged to contact us at Sussex Police online quoting serial 101 of 07/12, or contact their relevant authority or Interpol.