Police Issue Renewed Appeal for Footage After Body Found on Southampton Common

Police are seeking information following the discovery of a body on Southampton Common. Ernest Konrad Deputat, 45, was found in a wooded area close to the wildlife reserve in the centre of the common, north of the Ornamental Lake and to the right of Green Path, on Wednesday 8 October.

The city’s Major Crime Team is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mr. Deputat’s death. Officers are appealing to the public for any information, no matter how small, which may assist in their enquiries.

Senior Investigating Officer, Chief Inspector Matt Gillooly, said:

“As part of our ongoing enquiries, we are specifically appealing for anyone with any footage from midnight until 4am on Saturday 6 September, particularly in the areas of Bedford Place and The Polygon in Southampton. The footage may be from a mobile phone, dash cam, doorbell camera or any other form of CCTV.”

He added:

“We do understand that some cameras only store footage for a limited period of time, perhaps only 28 days. However, we are also aware that some owners may store their footage in a cloud-based system, allowing for retrieval of recordings several months later. We would ask that people please take the time to check this before assuming the footage is no longer available.”

“We have recently been able to obtain and review further footage from September, so we know that footage is still available, and would urge people to please check and share this with us. We would also ask that people please check their camera rolls on their phone to see if they have any recordings from the date, time and areas mentioned above. Please get in contact with us to make us aware of any footage you have, whether you believe this to be evidential or not.”

Addressing Mr. Deputat’s family, Chief Inspector Gillooly said:

“My thoughts remain with them at this unimaginably difficult time. We will continue to support them. This is a large-scale investigation and our relentless work continues as we remain committed to determining Ernest’s final movements, so that we can achieve answers and justice for his family.”

Anyone who may have information or footage is asked to contact police on 101, quoting incident number 44250456238.

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or reported online at https://orlo.uk/AeT6d.