Remains confirmed as missing Briton

Human remains found in a well in Crete are those of a British holidaymaker who went missing more than a decade ago, police have confirmed.

Steven Cook, then 20, disappeared on a night out in Malia with friends in 2005 – the first holiday he had taken without his family.

Despite appeals on UK and Greek TV, Mr Cook, from Sandbach, Cheshire, was never found.

Yesterday Cheshire Police said human remains, which were discovered in a well in Malia earlier this month, had been tested and confirmed as Mr Cook’s.

Detective Inspector Gary McIntyre said: “On Thursday 16th February Cheshire Constabulary was made aware of the discovery of human remains in a well in Malia, Crete.

“The remains were removed from the site and taken to a nearby hospital for further forensic examination.

“Tests have been carried out and we have now received confirmation from the Greek authorities that the remains belong to Steven Cook, who went missing on 1st September 2005 during a holiday to the island.”

Mr McIntyre said the force’s priority was to ensure Mr Cook was flown home to the UK as soon as possible.

Steven Cook went missing in 2005.