Human remains found in Crete have been confirmed to be those of a missing Liverpool student.
Steven Cook, 20, originally disappeared in 2005 following a night out with friends in Malia and was last seen outside a pub asking for directions to his hotel.
Workmen found the remains while cleaning a well on the island last Thursday and DNA results have now confirmed that they are those of Mr Cook.
The University of Liverpool student’s family had offered a €7,000 reward at the time of his disappearance for any information which led to him being found.
His brother Chris, 42, confirmed the discovery of Sandbach native’s body.
He said: “Today we have learned that after over 11 years our much-loved and missed son, brother, uncle, nephew, and friend will be finally coming home to be with us once again.
“While we always carried hope in our hearts that Steve would come back much sooner and once again be able to share in our lives the laughter, love and happiness, sadly we will be bringing him home to say our farewells.
“To bring Steve back home was always our goal, and as the years passed our hope never diminished.
“It is testament to the Steve we love that he would bring such fight and fortitude over such a long time in our search to bring him home.
“Not just from those who knew him but also from kind strangers across the world who shared our search, his plight, and provided support to a person, and family in need.
“Having a loved one go missing is a vacuum full of pain. Knowing that Steve is now coming home is an end to all of that and the fog can lift at last.
“In getting Steve home then we have truly found him again, and we he will now continue to live through the shared the memories of all that knew him.”