The family of missing Armagh murder victim Gareth O'Connor have reacted with "relief mixed with deep personal sadness" at the positive identification of his body. His remains were found in a car recovered from Newry Canal in Co Down at the weekend.
In a statement, the family said they had received confirmation from the PSNI on Wednesday the body was that of Mr O'Connor, who went missing in May 2003 as he drove to Co Louth to sign on at Dundalk Garda station in accordance with his bail conditions.
The family referred to the families of other "disappeared", whose pain is continuing. They called for anyone with information leading to their discovery to come forward.
The statement said: "The past 25 months have been a traumatic and difficult ordeal for the O'Connor family and Gareth's disappearance has taken its toll on each of us. Throughout this time, our only concern has been to find Gareth, bring him home and afford him a Christian burial."