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Human remains that washed up on beaches have been confirmed as belonging to a missing man.

Between 13 February and 8 April, the remains were discovered at Roker and Seaburn, in Sunderland.

Northumbria Police said it had now confirmed they belonged to missing Newcastle man Roy Johnson.

The force said it could not confirm how Mr Johnson died, but that the death was not being treated as suspicious.

The 49-year-old was last seen by staff at South Tyneside District Hospital on 20 January.

He was later seen on CCTV in the Temple Park Road area of South Shields shortly before 23:00.

Detectives said it was unclear how Mr Johnson ended up in the sea.

Det Chf Insp Graeme Barr, of the force's major investigation team, said: "Our thoughts are with Roy’s loved ones as they attempt to come to terms with what’s happened, and as ever, I’d ask that his family’s privacy is respected at this time of incomprehensible grief.

"From the moment Roy was reported missing, extensive searches were carried out by various teams of officers in the hope that we would locate him safe and well."

He also thanked those who reported the discoveries adding that they had "helped provide the answers that Roy’s family rightly deserve".

A report will be sent to the coroner, police said.

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