DETECTIVES could finally be a step closer to solving a mystery that has left them baffled for more than 20 years.

In the early morning of May 4, 1989, the body of a man was dragged from the harbour at Scarborough but despite intensive inquiries at the time his identity was never established.

However just last week police decided to re-open the case and made a new appeal for information.

And as a direct result of that a man now living in the resort contacted detectives to say he recognised the man from the 1980s when he lived in Blackburn.

Detective Sergeant Stuart Thompson said: "The man recalls the subject of the investigation from visiting pubs in the Shadsworth and Intack areas of Blackburn. Although he couldn’t remember his name, he thinks that he spoke with a local accent and may have been something of a loner.

"The witness also believes he may have known the man from serving time in prison around the Blackburn area, possibly in Kirkham Prison.

"I am delighted that this new information has come to light and I would be very grateful to anyone else who can help the investigation if they came forward."

When he was found in 1989, the mystery man’s age was estimated at between 30 and 60 years old. He was described as clean shaven, weighing about 12 stone, 5ft 10ins tall with brown eyes.

Anyone with any information that could help the investigation is urged to contact Det Sgt Thompson on 0845 6060 247.