THE remains of a man found near a Middleton farm near Sudbury have been identified.

Detectives have provisionally identified the man as 52-year-old Jeremy Sparks from Sudbury.

Mr Sparks was reported as missing back in July 2007.

Essex Police were called to the farm just off Middleton Road at 3pm on Wednesday 22 January when human remains were unearthed at the scene.

Forensic teams had been spotted at the site.

Clothes and personal items belonging to Mr Sparks were found with the remains.

Having conducted a post-mortem examination on Monday, Essex police are not treating Mr Sparks' death as suspicious.

In a statement, Jeremy's family wrote: "Jeremy (Jem) always thought the world of us (his family).

"He was also liked and respected by everyone he met.

"It was distressing for all when he went missing in July 2007 as Jem had kept in regular contact by letters and cards with us all until that time.

"When communication ceased we all became very concerned and carried out extensive local searches and enquiries, but to no avail.

"With no information or answers we believed Jem to have passed away.

"The current situation is difficult for us all due to the discovery of his remains, but we feel that at last we are moving towards closure.

"We ask that our privacy is respected during this emotional time."

Although formal identification is yet to take place, it will be confirmed through dental records.