Body of Alan Jeal Washed Ashore in Cornwall
Alan Jeal, whose body was washed ashore in Cornwall Devon & Cornwall Police

Police are treating as suspicious the death of a man whose body was found washed ashore on a beach in Cornwall - with a sock in his mouth.

Alan Jeal, 64, was last seen in Truro city centre in Boscawen Street on 24 February at 6.30pm.

His naked body was discovered the next day on Perranporth beach. A sock was found in his mouth.

Detectives are not ruling out murder after multiple injuries found on his body were "inconsistent with drowning and cannot be easily explained".

DCI Dave Thorne, Senior Investigating Officer, said: "We can't think of an explanation as to why it would be there and this is one of the reasons we are treating Alan's death as suspicious.

"Officers are keeping an open mind as to the cause of his death. Murder is one possibility we are considering, however his death may have been caused by accident or suicide."

Police have also found a number of items on the beach including a Regatta jacket, wallet and a photograph - believed to be Alan when he was two years old in his family home.

Alan Jeal as a child
Alan Jeal as a child Devon & Cornwall Police

It is not known whether the rucksack and woolly hat found nearby on the same day are linked to the deceased.

DCI Thorne added: "We are keen to speak to anyone who saw Alan on Monday 24 February, whether walking, on public transport or in a car.

"We have traced his movements up until 6.36pm in Truro city centre but we need the public's help in establishing where he went after that."

Anyone with any information that could assist with the investigation is asked to call police on 101 quoting log 381 of 1 March, or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.