Human leg found on Scotland beach 'belongs to Co Down body' - no foul play suspected
A human leg discovered on a beach in Scotland two weeks ago is understood to relate to a body found in a coastal part of Northern Ireland in May.
The grisly find happened on Prestwick beach, South Ayrshire, on June 10, prompting Police Scotland to launch an investigation.
The force has now said the remains are those of “a missing person from outside of Scotland”.
The PSNI has also said the remains of a man whose body was found in Millisle, Co Down, have been identified.
Glasgow Live reported the Prestwick beach discovery is understood to be linked to the body found in Northern Ireland. Foul play is not suspected.
A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “Around 10.45am on June 10, we received a report that human remains had been discovered on Prestwick beach in Ayrshire.
“The remains have now been identified as those of a missing person from outside of Scotland. The relevant police service has been informed.”
The PSNI said the man’s death is not being treated as suspicious.
The Millisle body has been identified as that of Merseyside 47-year-old Andrew Murphy.
Mr Murphy, from the Wirral, was last seen alive in March, in a supermarket south of Birkenhead.
Merseyside Police had issued a number of appeals in efforts to locate him. Family described his disappearance as “totally out of character” and they pleaded for his safe return to his “young daughter and partner”.
His family confirmed to the Wirral Globe newspaper that they were contacted by the authorities to confirm he had been found.
They said: “Andrew has been found. His body was found on May 21 at Millisle Cove in Northern Ireland. We want to thank everyone again for the support. It has been overwhelming.”
Mr Murphy was last seen wearing an oversized green Michael Kors waterproof rain max down to his knees, a blue dressing gown underneath, blue jeans, black trainers with white soles and carrying a blue Adidas backpack.
The PSNI stated they have been “engaging with the family of the deceased” since the body was identified.
The force added: “The death is not being treated as suspicious.”