"Large scale murder investigation" ongoing after body of 45-year-old discovered in woodland with appeal extended

Crimestoppers has extended an appeal for information following the death of Ernest Konrad Deputat, whose body was found on October 8, 2025, in woodland on Southampton Common.

His body was close to the wildlife reserve in the centre of the Common, north of the Ornamental Lake, and investigators have said there was also evidence of a fire.

Ernest was a Polish national, who was living off-grid and known to the homeless community in the city.

His family were notified, and a murder investigation was launched by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, but police have confirmed no arrests have been made in connection with the investigation.

Crimestoppers launched the £20,000 reward appeal last year and they have now extended it until May 3. The independent charity is urging anyone with information, no matter how minor it may seem, to come forward anonymously.

Senior investigating officer, detective chief inspector Matt Gillooly, said: “First and foremost, as I have stressed throughout our investigation to date, our thoughts remain with Ernest’s family, to whom we continue offering support.

“This has been, and remains, a large-scale investigation. Our hard work is ongoing, as it has been since our investigation first commenced on Wednesday 8 October.

“While some months have now passed since the discovery of Ernest’s body, we remain committed and steadfast in our determination to establish exactly what happened to Ernest, so that we can achieve answers and justice for his family."

Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, with the charity saying the reward will only be payable for information passed directly to them and not to the police.