Renewed appeal in murder investigation one year on

Police have renewed an appeal for information one year after a man was found dead in woodland.

The body of Ernest Konrad Deputat, 45, was discovered by a member of the public in woodland on Southampton Common, close to a wildlife reserve north of the Ornamental Lake on 8 October, 2025.

Two men, aged 30 and 34, were subsequently arrested on suspicion of murder and were released on conditional police bail.

On Friday, Hampshire police urged anyone with information to come forward, specifically a woman who was captured on CCTV walking her dog on Southampton Common two days before, and anyone who recalls seeing another man "in dispute" with Ernest.

Senior Investigating Officer, Det Chief Insp Matt Gillooly, said the woman, who was seen walking her dog on the morning of Saturday 6 September, "may have witnessed something which is important to the investigation".

He added: "Additionally, we would also like to hear from anyone who recalls at any point seeing another man in dispute with Ernest, whether verbal or physical, possibly in connection with a running disagreement."

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

The force said his body was found north of Ornamental Lake and there was also evidence of a fire.

It added that the arrested men's conditional bail has been extended until Monday 16 and Tuesday 17 November.

Independent charity Crimestoppers previously offered a £20,000 reward for anonymous information leading to a murder conviction.