THE human remains which were discovered last week in a popular nature reserve, have been identified as missing person James Hodgkiss.
Police were called just before 3pm on Monday to an area close to Aspinall Way, Future Park, Horwich, to a report of bones being discovered.
Mr Hodgkiss was last seen on August 3, 2016, on Weston Street in Great Lever.
An extensive missing person investigation was launched by GMP in 2016, with police previously launching a number of appeals, and searching a number of areas.
The first search covered a 300-metre area around Weston Street and Bradford Reservoir.
The investigation also involved a further three searches in the Breightmet area, following potential sightings of someone matching his description.
His mother Christine Hodgkiss and father John, have often distributed leaflets around Bolton, telling people about James in the hope that someone would have recognised him.
Mr Hodgkiss was aged 34 at the time he went missing.
An investigation is still ongoing but there are believed to be no suspicious circumstances, and a report has been prepared for the Manchester West coroner.
His family is being supported by specialist officers.
Det Chief Inspector Paul Rollinson, of GMP's Bolton district, said: "Our thoughts go out to James' family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
"We would now ask that their privacy be respected as they come to terms with this news.
"At the time of James' disappearance, an extensive missing person investigation was launched, with a number of searches carried out, as well as extensive financial, CCTV, and social media enquiries undertaken.
"Sadly, this is not the news that many will have hoped for.
"However, our investigation will continue to establish the full circumstances and provide the answers his family is looking for."
Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 5757 quoting log number 1626 of January 24.
Information can also be reported online or by using the Live Chat function at www.gmp.police.uk. If you can't report online, call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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