Police release CCTV image of Alan Jeal before death

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-26674176

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Police have released new CCTV images of Alan Jeal at a bus stop a day before his body was found on a Cornish beach.

Police hope to trace three bus passengers believed to have been in contact with Mr Jeal, whose body was washed up on Perranporth Beach on 25 February.

The footage shows the 64-year-old and the three bus passengers at Lemon Quay bus station in Truro.

Det Ch Insp Dave Thorne said these people may hold "vital" information.

The man, believed to be Mr Jeal, is seen talking to one passenger at 18:45 GMT while two others were also waiting for the bus that was destined for Perranporth.

On 24 February, the day before his death, police believe he got the number 594 bus from Wadebridge to the Lemon Quay area of Truro, arriving at the bus station at around 18:15 GMT.

He was seen walking towards the public toilets at The Leats, and then seen at around 18:35 GMT in Boscawen Street.

Police believe Mr Jeal was wearing a blue jacket and a rucksack.

DCI Thorne said: "We are keen to speak to these three individuals, particularly the man who was talking to the man believed to be Alan, as they may hold vital information about where he went next.

"It is not clear from the footage whether Alan got on the bus or walked away."

Mr Jeal lived alone in Wadebridge and was not reported missing to the police.

His body was discovered by a member of the public and was naked apart from socks and one shoe.

Police said multiple injuries were found on his body, inconsistent with drowning, and a sock was found in his mouth.