Remains found in nature reserve identified as local man, 34, who went missing five years ago
BONES found in nature reserve have been linked to a local man who disappeared five years ago.
The remains have been identified as James Hodgkiss, of Bolton, Greater Manchester, who was reported missing in 2016.
Police were called to an area close to Aspinall Way, Future Park, Horwich, just before 3pm on January 24, following a report that bones had been discovered.
James was last seen wheeling a black hand-luggage bag on Weston Street
in Great Lever on the morning of August 3, 2016.
An extensive missing person investigation was launched at the time but
the 34-year-old could not be located.
An investigation is ongoing to establish the cause of death.
Police said there are believed to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death and a report has been prepared for the coroner.
James’ family are being supported by specialist officers.
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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.
“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.”
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 behind the Horwich Loco Works estate, which is soon set to become a huge housing development.