Human remains found at nature reserve identified as man who disappeared 5 years ago

Bones found on a nature reserve have been linked to a man who disappeared five years ago.

James Hodgkiss, from Bolton, was reported missing in 2016. Today Greater Manchester Police said the remains have been identified as his.

Police were called to an area close to Future Park, Horwich, just before 3pm on January 24, following reports that bones had been discovered.

The last time James, 34, was seen was on August 3, 2016, when he was carrying a black hand luggage bag on Weston Street in Great Lever.

An extensive missing person investigation was launched, but he was not located.

An investigation is now ongoing to determine his cause of death.

Human bones were found at Red Moss a popular nature reserve in Horwich (MEN MEDIA)

Police said there are believed to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death and a report has been prepared for the coroner.

His family are being supported by specialist officers.

Detectives launched their investigation after the bones were discovered in a nature reserve and scoured the former Red Moss reserve after the grisly find.

The reserve is a large area of marshland next to the Middlebrook Retail Park and is soon set to become a huge housing development.

Christine Hodgkiss, mother of James, made an appeal on the eve of the second anniversary of his disappearance (MEN Media)

Detective 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.

Police confirmed the remains have been identified as James Hodgkiss, from Bolton, who was reported missing in 2016 (MEN MEDIA)

"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 24/01/22. 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.