Manly man's mystery: Police seek information on dead Englishman 'Paul Lachlan'
Police are appealing for information about a British man found dead in his Manly apartment more than a year ago with name that likely wasn't his.
Paul Lachlan was found dead on November 20, 2014, but police have so far been unable to locate his relatives.
Though not suspicious, an inquest into his death is set to begin next month however Mr Lachlan is yet to be positively identified.
He had no passport, visa details or bank account information available and investigators soon discovered Paul Lachlan was likely an alias.
Among his affects was a Medicare card and a membership card to a defunct gym.
Police believe he was living incognito, but they are at a loss as to why and from where exactly he came.
In an effort to find his next of kin, police wrote on Facebook last month it appeared Mr Lachlan "took significant effort to not have his name recorded by government departments, agencies or businesses".
"We are trying to establish the man’s real identity," Manly crime manager detective Chief Inspector Craig Wonders told News Corp.
"As far as we can ascertain he has no bank accounts, driver’s licence or any government documentation at all."
It is thought Mr Lachlan emigrated from the UK in the 1990s, possibly from Manchester, but there are no records of his arrival.
The Englishman worked at Lifeline after he arrived in Australia, from 1995 to 2001, before doing a stint as a furniture removalists on the Northern Beaches.
He was aged about 45 or 46 at the time of death.
The Manchester Evening News published his information in December, but the mystery of Mr Lachlan's origin remains unsolved.
"He was not in possession of any identification or identifying documentation and police have not been able to locate any family who can confirm his identity," the Facebook appeal for information said.
"Due to police being unable to be conclusively established his identity throughout the investigation, officers are unable to confirm his name is Paul Lachlan.
"Police are seeking to identify the man so next of kin can be identified and funeral arrangements can be made.
"The Coroner’s inquest has been adjourned until 16 February 2016 in the hope some information comes from the public which will help identify the man."
Anyone with information is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers 1300 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page.
