Police last night dismissed a report that a murder investigation had been launched into the disappearance of homeless man St. Claire McDonald Augustus.

VSB channel 11 ran a story claiming the body of a man discovered by firefighters on April 6 after a blaze at a derelict house in Hamilton was that of Mr. Augustus.

The report claimed the body was found hanging, with its hands tied, and that foul play was suspected. But Police spokesman Dwayne Caines told The Royal Gazette the story was "erroneous at best". He added: "At this juncture, I have no information to support the claims in the story."

Mr. Caines did not answer questions about whether the body found in the abandoned Washington Street North cottage, an apparent haunt for drug users and prostitutes, had been identified yet and, if not, why there had been a delay.

He also didn't say whether anything prompted a renewed appeal issued by Police yesterday for the public's help in finding missing Mr. Augustus.

The 55-year-old, of no fixed abode, was last seen on February 26 this year at Friswells Hill, in Devonshire.

He was known to frequent the Salvation Army on North Street in Pembroke and was also sleeping in a container in that area.

Yesterday's Police statement said: "We have reason to be concerned for his well-being and would like to locate Mr. Augustus as a matter of urgency."

@$:And Police are still looking for a French national who went missing more than three months ago.

Thirty-year-old Mehdi David Yahi arrived in Bermuda on Sunday, January 25, via British Airways and appeared to be travelling alone.

He was last seen around 8 p.m. the following Saturday at the Fairmont Southampton resort where he attended the Heather Nova concert.

Mr. Yahi is described as a white male, approximately 5ft 7in tall of slim build, clean shaven with black hair.

A Police spokesman said it was not confirmed if Mr. Yahi had left the Island or not

Anyone with information about Mr. Augustus is asked to call the Child Victims' Unit on 295-0011.