Cold case police officers are appealing for information to help crack a 31-year-old mystery involving a dead body found off Lowestoft.

Officers from Norfolk and Suffolk's Joint Major Investigation Team are reviewing the case of a body found off the coast of the north Suffolk town by the crew of a trawler.

In July 1981 the Boston Sea Stallion was trawling in the North Sea when they recovered a body from the sea.

A spokeswoman for Suffolk police said: 'For reasons unknown, the body was returned to the water but authorities were alerted.

'The body was never seen again.'

Police say it is possible the body was that of a missing person who disappeared in Norfolk earlier that year.

The appeal is part of an enquiry into all outstanding missing people from the two counties, known as Operation Mouldsworth.

Detectives are hoping to speak to anyone connected to the Boston Sea Stallion or who may have information about the body.

Det Con Gary Fisher, who is leading the investigation, said: 'There is no suggestion that the crew had, in any way, behaved inappropriately.

'However, I would still like to speak to anyone who may remember the incident and may be able to help with the identification of the body.

'The ship was owned by the Boston Deep Sea Fishing Company at the time and was the pride of their fleet, having been launched by Margaret Thatcher in 1978.'

Anyone with information should contact DC Fisher at the Norfolk and Suffolk Joint Major Investigation Team on 101.