Human remains discovered in a woodland near Truro could be those of missing Penryn man Lee Gilbert who has not been seen since June.

A walking boot containing the remains of a foot was found by a dog walker in Nansavallan Woods at around 5pm on Thursday afternoon. Although it has not officially been identified as belonging to Mr Gilbert, his mother has been informed of the discovery.

A police search of the area, which carried on over the weekend, turned up some further remains and personal belongings which police say may help with their inquiries.

A spokesman said yesterday: "Further skeletal remains have been located within the area of Nansavallan Woods in Truro. These will be submitted for forensic examination to assist with identification processes.

"Whilst formal identification has not been possible at this time, the next of kin of missing person, Lee Gilbert, have been updated. Searches are continuing in the area of Nansavallan Woods and the police dive team are continuing to search the stream bed."

Mr Gilbert's mother, Marie Hocking who lives in Truro, is receiving support from the police while they continue their investigations. The coroner has been advised of the latest developments, but police say they do not currently believe there are any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of the person found whose remains have been found.

Mr Gilbert was 39-years-old when he was reported missing by his mother after he failed to visit her at her home on June 13. The last known sighting of him was at Truro train station where he was caught on CCTV cameras at 5.20pm on June 9. On that same day, his bus pass had been handed into a bus driver. Police had no idea who had found it or where it had been found, but did believe it was from the Penryn area, where Mr Gilbert had lived for 14 years.