Body identified as that of Shrewsbury missing man

West Mercia Police confirmed that the remains, which were discovered on land belonging to the National Trust in Shropshire, were those of the 36-year-old, who has been missing for two years.

Mr Rothwell, who grew up and went to school in Shrewsbury, disappeared in February 2012.

The remains were discovered on pastureland by the River Tern at Attingham Park, near Shrewsbury, last week.

Posting last night on a Facebook page, set up after his disappearance and run by his family, Mr Rothwell's father Paul, said: "We have had confirmation that the remains found are Simon's.

"Although very sad, I am relieved that this nightmare is finally over and that his children will, at last, be able to lay their father to rest.

"Thank you to the people who walked their dogs along the river and scoured the riverbanks looking for Simon. Thank you to the Police for your care and consideration when dealing with our family.

"And finally Thank You God for finally answering our prayers. We never gave up Si."

For the past two years, Mr Rothwell has posted daily on a specially set-up Facebook page, urging people to look for Simon and always signing off, "Never gonna give up, son,"

Mr Rothwell was last seen in Abbots Road, Monkmoor on February 3, 2012.

He had been on a night out with friends and was dropped off by a taxi at about 12.30pm. The alarm was raised at about 7.45am that morning, after some of his belongings were found on the Underdale side of the Castle Walk footbridge, near the River Severn, in Shrewsbury by a member of the public.

Several specialist searches were carried out in the weeks following his disappearance, including by the Severn Area Rescue Association, the police helicopter and the underwater search team from Avon and Somerset Police.

Spokesman for West Mercia Police, Chris Ammonds, said: "We can confirm that the remains found at Atcham have now been identified as those od Simon Rothwell. His family have been informed."