BONES found in a garden in Cowes are not those of missing Damien Nettles — his mother Valerie has been informed.

Several bones were discovered on Wednesday and reported to the police, but have since been ruled as non-human.

However, due to Damien's case still being unsolved, and his disappearance within close proximity to the find, his family was informed of the development.

Mrs Nettles shared the information on social media and said she is grateful for the support shown by the local community.

She told the County Press tonight that one of the theories is that Damien was put into a sail bag and this was why these bones could have been relevant.

"There was a huge long item of canvas pulled out of the hole, so we were poised to hear the worst. Again." she said.

Damien went missing in November 1996.

His mother has kept the case in the limelight, and last year wrote a book on the subject.

Locate International, which is a community interest company dedicated to helping families of unsolved missing person cases, spoke of the recent update.

A spokesperson said: "Whenever there is a discovery like this, especially in an area where there is an open missing person case, it is easy for people to start to speculate and comment without having the full facts.

"Hampshire Constabulary and the team from Locate are in contact with Damien's mother around the discovery. She is grateful for the support shown by the local community.

"This does show Damien's case is still in the minds of many people, including the police, and many Islanders.

"As a team, we will continue to support the family and the investigation in every way that we possibly can.

"If you have any information that you think can assist in the enquiry, then please let us know on our email info@locate.international."

For more details of Damien's case, go to locate.international/missing-persons/damien-nettles/