HUMAN bones discovered in a pond near Chorley in Lancashire might be connected to Worcestershire, police hope.

In a bid to uncover the identity of the Asian man, a lifesize clay model of his head has been created and appeals for information launched throughout the country.

A skeleton was found partially submerged in a pond off Back Lane, in Charnock Richard, by a woman walking her dog at around 6pm, on Friday, July 26.

"The victim had suffered traumatic head injuries," said a police spokeswoman.

"A computer-generated image of the man's face was prepared by experts from Glasgow University's human identification unit, showing him to be more than likely of Asian origin."

Tests revealed the body might have been in situ for a year, but could not establish a cause of death.

They also revealed the victim had a deformity to his legs, probably from a childhood disease, and would have walked with a limp or leaning to one side.

Police believe the victim was aged between 20 and 30, was between 5ft 6in and 5ft 8in tall and of slender build.

After appeals failed to yield results, Lancashire Constabulary tried casting the net further.

"It's possible he may have links with Herefordshire or Worcestershire," said a West Mercia police spokesman.

Anyone with information should contact police on 01257 269021 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.