Human remains 'may be missing Copeland man Peter McNay'
Human remains found in woodland in Cumbria may be those of a man missing for two years, police believe.
Peter Alexander McNay was reported missing when he failed to sign on at Whitehaven Jobcentre in May 2009.
The 52-year-old was officially homeless at the time, but had been living in the Copeland area for a number of years.
Cumbria Police said remains along with clothing and items of identification were found by forestry workers in woodland near Gosforth on Tuesday.
Mr McNay's family have been informed.
A police spokesman said: "Human bones were found in Scar Brow wood about 50 yards from the roadside between Gosforth and Wasdale Head.
"A thorough examination of the area took place and the scene was protected by police overnight. A search of the area will begin again later.
"Due to items of clothing and identification located at the scene, police officers believe that this could be Mr McNay.
"Mr McNay was officially homeless but had been living in the Copeland area of West Cumbria for a number of years. He was known to enjoy walking in the Gosforth area.
"Officers are currently working on behalf of the coroner to formally identify the remains and establish the circumstances surrounding the death."