Detectives are trying to trace a man in connection with the death of a teenager whose body was found lying in a puddle.

Richard Jackson, 16, from the Chipping Norton area, was found dead in Oxford's Angel Meadow, shortly after 8.30pm on Friday night.

Police are keeping an open mind about the death of the youngster and have appealed for the public to come forward with information.

Det Insp Melvin Young, of Oxford CID, today said officers wanted to talk to a man seen leaving the park at about 7.30pm - an hour before the boy was found dead. The man was white, aged 28 to 35, chubby, 5ft 6in tall and had short dark hair. Det Insp Young said: "We would like to talk to this man urgently. He may have information which could assist us in resolving this case."

Tests carried out at the John Radcliffe Hospital showed that the teenager died from asphyxia. Although police initially said the death was not being treated as suspicious, inquiries are continuing.

At the weekend, a man called "Mark", who claimed he found Richard's body, said the teenager had been staying at the Bridge Project in Iffley Road, after falling out with his parents.

Anyone with information should telephone 01865 266333.

Story date: Wednesday 03 February

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