HUMAN remains found on the moors above Trawden yesterday may be those of a Burnley man Colin Patchett who has been missing for nearly three years.

The badly decomposed body was found in such an isolated area that detectives were taken to the scene in the police helicopter.

A Home Office pathologist was performing a post mortem examination today and checks were being made on clothing found at the scene.

Det Insp Steve Brunskill said at this stage it was not possible to say whether the remains were of a man or woman.

He said: "One of the things we are investigating is all persons who have been reported missing over the years and Mr Patchett (pictured) is one of those people.

"A post mortem will be held today to identify the cause of death and to identify the body." The remains were found in a boggy area at the top of the moors about two miles from Coldwell reservoir outside the area previously combed by police and search and rescue teams looking for Mr Patchett.

The body was discovered by a farmer late yesterday afternoon.

DI Brunskill added: "It is impossible to say at this stage whether there are any suspicious circumstances until we determine the cause of death."

Mrs Patchett has been told of the grim discovery. The former milkman went missing in November, 1997.

He was last seen by his wife, Doreen, when he left their home in Marsden Road, Burnley, to return to the hospital where he was a patient.

Mr and Mrs Patchett used to run a milk round in the Lanehead and Brunshaw areas of Burnley but latterly worked in security.