The body on the beach mystery has deepened after eyewitness reports that the 64-year-old naked victim was found with clothing shoved in his mouth.
Devon and Cornwall Police are treating the death of Alan Jeal, who was found at Perranporth, Cornwall, last Tuesday, as "suspicious".
However, they refused to comment on reports that Mr Jeal, from Wadebridge, had been found with a small item of clothing stuffed in his mouth and with a major blow to the back of his head.
Detective Chief Inspector Dave Thorne said: "I can't allude to any further detail as to how he was found but we can confirm that he had injuries to various parts of his body and some of those we can't explain by natural means."
Mr Thorne said they "could not rule out murder" but were also investigating whether it was suicide or accidental death.
Mr Jeal, who lived alone, was found naked apart from one walking shoe and a pair of socks. A jacket, wallet and photograph of a small boy, also found on the beach, have now been confirmed as his.
Thirty detectives are currently working on the inquiry. It is focusing on Mr Jeal's last movements and the key 26 hours between him using a cash point in Wadebridge and being found dead.
Detectives were unable to identify the body under members of Mr Jeal's family recognised an artist's impression issued by the force.
"Alan was a mild-mannered, gentle man who was very interested in minerals, mining and surfing," they said in a statement.
"We are shocked and deeply saddened that Alan's life has been cut short and are desperate for answers as to what happened.
"We appeal for anyone with information about Alan's life and last movements to contact police."
