Firth of Forth body has been identified

The body of a young man pulled from the Firth of Forth last month has been identified as that of 22-year-old Michael Sharp, from the Bonnybridge area.

Police say his family have been informed and are said to be “devastated” by their loss.

A spokesman for Police Scotland added: “Michael was a muchloved family member and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.”

The discovery of the body in water just off Burntisland was made on Friday, March 19.

Initial police inquiries had failed to establish the identity of the recovered man and four days later police issued a number of images of clothing worn by the man in a bid to confirm who he was.

Police had also worked on the possibility that the clothing was linked to a coat recovered from the Forth Road Bridge on March 9.

The spokesman added: “The death is not being treated as suspicious.”

Following the news that the body had now been identified, many took to social media to pay tribute to the young man.

Maureen Keen wrote: “So glad the young man has been identified and so sad for him and his family. RIP young man.”

Eryn Dingwall said: “Such a long way from home, glad he’s been identified.”

Rita Melville said: “Glad they found out who the young man was and managed to let his family know. Condolences to them and his friends at this sad time. Hope they can get through this sad time and be able to remember the good times. RIP Michael.”

Stacey Sutherland said: “How sad but thankfully his family can now lay him to rest.”