Police release pictures of dragon tattoos in desperate bid to identify man found dead on Brighton beach

A passer-by spotted the man at the water’s edge on the morning of October 11 at approximately 9.40am, prompting an immediate call to police.

Officers rushed to Rottingdean beach after serious concerns were raised about his welfare, but he was pronounced dead upon their arrival.

Despite ongoing efforts, police have so far been unable to determine the man’s identity or trace his next of kin, leading them to release the tattoo images as part of a public appeal.

Police describe the man as slim and believe he is in his late 50s or early 60s.

His body bears several striking tattoos rendered in red, orange, blue, and yellow ink, depicting dragons and fire motifs across multiple areas.

One particularly notable design on his chest incorporates an ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic symbol.

Sussex Police hope the unusual and colourful nature of these tattoos will make them recognisable to someone who knew the man, as conventional identification methods have so far proved unsuccessful.

Investigations into how he came to be in the water remain ongoing.

Sussex Police said: “We’re now releasing images of his tattoos to help in the identification process, and ask that if you feel you recognise any of them, or have any information to assist our enquiries, you make a report to police.”

Anyone with relevant information can submit a report online or telephone 101, citing reference 313 of 11/10.

A force spokeswoman confirmed that enquiries to establish both the man’s identity and the circumstances surrounding his presence in the water are continuing.

Emergency services personnel remained in the area after the discovery, with no further details available at the time.

Rottingdean Beach is a quiet, pebbly and shingle beach located just east of central Brighton in East Sussex, set below dramatic white chalk cliffs.