HUMAN remains found in a field have been confirmed as a missing 22-year-old man, police said last night.

Bones were discovered near the village of Bolam, near Darlington, County Durham, by agricultural workers last week.

Lincolnshire police, who have now taken over responsibility for the investigation, said the remains were those of Mark Corley, who disappeared from his home in Grantham in July.

A post-mortem examination confirmed he suffered a gunshot wound.

The officer leading the case, Detective Chief Inspector Tony White, said Mr Corley was most likely killed where his body was found, but he would not reveal clues about the murder weapon.

He said: "There are critical inquiries to complete in the area where the body was found, and these will be carried out by Lincolnshire officers backed by the Durham Constabulary.

"Early indications are that Mark was killed where his body was found or nearby. It is an extremely isolated area and his body was only found at this stage because of recent flooding and the work of agricultural workers to relieve it.

"A number of people have been seen during the course of this inquiry who have had reason to wish Mark some harm. Indeed, some have confirmed that. That said, none of the reasons they have given should have resulted in Mark's murder. I view the discovery of Mark's body as a significant step forward in the investigation."

Police have said Mr Corley was well known as a criminal in the Grantham area.