Body of British student missing for 11 years found at bottom of well in Crete

Human remains found in a well in Crete belong to a British student who went missing more than 11 years ago, police have confirmed.

Steve Cook, 20, disappeared while holidaying in Malia with school friends in the Greek resort in September 2005.

The Liverpool FC fan, originally from Sandbach, Cheshire, was last seen in a bar asking for directions to his hotel but he walked off in the wrong direction.

His family had hoped he might still be alive but on Friday Cheshire Constabulary said they it received confirmation from Greek authorities that his remains had been found.

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.

"Since then, officers have been in close liaison with the Greek authorities and have been awaiting further information.

"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.

"Steven's family have been kept fully updated on the developments and are currently being supported by Cheshire officers. They have been provided with support since Steven first went missing and this will continue over the coming weeks.

"This is understandably an extremely upsetting and distressing time for the Cook family. Steven's relatives are very appreciative of all the support the media and the public have given them over the years in their quest to find him but they have asked for their privacy to be respected at this time as they are trying to come to terms with the news."

DI McIntyre added that his priority was to ensure Steven's remains were flown home to the UK as soon as possible and officers involved in the case will continue to liaise with the Greek authorities, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Steven's family moving forward.

Speaking in March 2015, Steve's sister-in-law Liz spoke about the family's hopes that he might still be alive after they'd offered 7,000 euros reward for anyone who finds him.

"We don't think he's outside Greece because he left his passport in the room," she said.

"It's unlikely he's not in Greece but he might be on one of the islands.

"It's a complete mystery, people don't just disappear."