Police have confirmed the body found near a canal in Ravensthorpe is that of a man.

But they do not know who he is and detectives have now made a fresh appeal for help, admitting that confirming his identity is a priority.

They have described his death as “unexplained” and have released photos and details of his clothing.

The chino shorts from the mystery man

It is thought the body may have been in a wooded area for some considerable time, possibly many months, before it was found by a walker on Monday.

Detectives from West Yorkshire’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team are leading the investigation.

Read more: Body found by canal had been at scene 'for some time'

The body was discovered by a member of the public near to Low Mill Lane around 9.15am.

A label from the dead man's clothing

A post-mortem was carried out on Tuesday evening and police are awaiting more test results.

Early indications are that the body is that of a white male, aged between 30 and 50 years who will have been between 5”9” tall and 6”1” tall and of slim build.

Read more: Body found on canal towpath at Low Mill Lane — RECAP

He was wearing a No Fear short sleeved t-shirt and chino style shorts with a palm tree design.

A palm logo from the dead man's clothing

Det Chief Insp Mark Swift, of the Homicide and Major Enquiry team who is leading the investigation said; “Our investigation is at an early stage, and our priority is identifying the victim, with the death presently been treated as unexplained.

“I would appeal to anyone who recognises the clothing, or who has any information, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem to come forward. Enquiries are ongoing.”

Pictures of police at the scene below

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team via 101 quoting 309 of the 14/3. Information can also be passed to the independent anonymous crime fighting charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The medical results are expected to indicate whether or not a crime has been committed or if the death was due to natural causes.

A label from the dead man's clothing

Police have also made an extensive search of wooded and grassed areas close to the Calder and Hebble Navigation Canal in Ravensthorpe looking for possible clues to the identity of the victim.

Read more: Forensics team examining mystery body found near canal

The site where the grim discovery was made on Monday morning is accessible only by the canal towpath off Low Mill Lane, which serves a number of firms and industrial complexes.

The site was sealed for more most of Monday and yesterday by police.