Human remains discovered in woodland belong to a man whose disappearance sparked a murder inquiry, police have confirmed.

Paul Taylor, 56, from Annan in Dumfries and Galloway, was last seen on 17 October 2023.

His Vauxhall Corsa was driven south to Carlisle that evening.

Two days later, the blue hatchback was found abandoned in Langwathby in northern Cumbria.

A month after Mr Taylor disappeared, Cumbria Constabulary launched a murder inquiry.

Earlier this month, suspected human remains were found in the Finglandrigg Wood area, off the B5307, west of Carlisle.

Now, detectives have said they are those of Mr Taylor, and his family has been informed.

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There will be a police presence for “some time” while officers “continue their work at the scene”, the force said.

People are asked to avoid the area.

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Two teenagers have been charged in connection with the case.

In February, a 19-year-old man appeared in court charged with murder.

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A second 19-year-old man was later charged with assisting an offender.

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