July 26, 2005
The Evening Times
by Deborah Anderson

NIGEL COCKERTON trained with forensic experts in the US
 


A FORENSIC artist has offered to help solve the mystery of a human skull found in a seaside town.

Expert Nigel Cockerton believes he could reconstruct the person's face, helping police discover how they died and why their skull ended up in Troon.

The Evening Times previously reported that police were examining the skull found near the Ayrshire town's harbour.

Our article was spotted by a friend of Mr Cockerton who thought it might be a case in which he could become involved.

The specialist, who is based in Kingston-upon-Thames, is keen to help with the Troon mystery in the hope the person can be identified.

He said: "I was intrigued when I read about the find and would gladly offer my services to police.

Mr Cockerton worked as a portrait artist before becoming interested in facial reconstruction work.

He trained with FBI experts in the US and has been involved in a number of complicated cases. He also does work for the Doe Network which helps find missing persons.

He added: "Using my skills to help try to identify someone is one of the most important things I can do and I would like to help out. It may also put a family's mind at rest."

A police spokeswoman said: "Tests are being carried out to find out when the skull dates back to.

"We appreciate Mr Cockerton's offer, but we are still at an early stage in this investigation."