A man who died outside a pub in Walthamstow has gone almost a decade without being formally identified. 

The mysterious case of 'Brian Wallace' has left volunteer investigators at Locate International stumped in what chief executive and founder Dave Grimstead describes as an: "investigation unlike any other".

Locate International is a charity which aims to help the friends and families of unsolved missing persons cases find their loved ones. 

The cold-case of 'Brian Wallace' has officially marked nine years since his death and nine years without being identified, despite having photos of him and a potential first and last name. 

East London and West Essex Guardian Series: January 22, 2024 marks nine years since his deathJanuary 22, 2024 marks nine years since his death (Image: Locate International)

He died after he was struck by a car on January 22 in 2015 as he was walking near a pub in Walthamstow. 

Since their last appeal, volunteers at the charity have exhausted all leads to more than 400 potential 'Brian Wallaces' and various name variations. However, their search has so far proved fruitless. 

Dave said: "The reality remains: we have no news, no progress, and no resolution.

"What sets this case apart is not just the tragic circumstances surrounding his death, but the extraordinary efforts of our volunteers.

"The fact that we possess photographs of the man and potential first and second names makes this investigation unlike any other in our history, but we now need to look beyond these names.

"As we mark nine years since his death, we want to reiterate that he has not been forgotten, but we do need to look more broadly."

In their commitment to the cold case, Locate's volunteers have delved into other missing person listings and lost contact records to explore potential matches. 

East London and West Essex Guardian Series: The charity's investigations have revealed nothing more about the manThe charity's investigations have revealed nothing more about the man (Image: Locate International)

This year, the charity is inviting members of the public to send in details about individuals they have lost touch with over the years, who may in some way resemble 'Brian Wallace'.

People across the north of England are urged to submit names and details of those who meet the following criteria:

  • Men born between 1945-1955 who may have become estranged from their families or unaccounted for 

  • Men who you have lost contact with who match the description of 'Brian Wallace' 

East London and West Essex Guardian Series: A volunteer placing a notice in a shop windowA volunteer placing a notice in a shop window (Image: Locate International)

  • Individuals who would now be in their late 60s/70s

  • Those who may have relocated from the north to London 

  • Those who possibly had a background in the building trade

Dave said: "He deserves to be remembered and properly laid to rest, and we will not stop searching until we achieve that.”

The charity encourages the public to reflect on family histories, neighbours, colleagues, friends and more.

Those wishing to be part of the campaign can visit the Locate International website, where participants can provide information which can be anonymous.