POLICE are trying to trace the last steps of a former prisoner from Basingstoke who was found dead in Buckinghamshire.

The body of Ashley Shay, 52, from Basingstoke, was discovered on Tuesday 22 August after officers were called to a wooded area on private land off the A4010 near Great Kimble.

His next of kin was informed.

Mr Shay was last seen alive after his release from Bullingdon Prison on May 15, 2017 but had not been seen after that day.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Andy Hall, of Force CID based at High Wycombe police station, said: “We are investigating the circumstances surrounding this death which at this stage appears to be non-suspicious and we are making enquiries on behalf of the coroner.

“We are appealing for the public’s assistance in piecing together Mr Shay’s movements from May 15 when he was released from Bullingdon Prison, until he was discovered deceased in Great Kimble on August 22.

“Mr Shay on his release when last seen was wearing a dark blue jacket, black tracksuit bottoms, and white trainers, and we are releasing an image of Mr Shay.

“It is possible that Mr Shay was travelling on foot or by public transport, we would ask anyone who might have information or may have seen him to please contact 101 quoting reference 43170250008.”