HUMAN bones found in the sea off a Clyde coast town have been identified as those of student Paul Christie, who went missing in 1998. Tests carried out on the remains, which were recovered in Largs Bay, revealed no evidence of foul play.

Mr Christie, 27, a Strathclyde University student who lived in Largs, made arrangements with a friend in February 1998 to have lunch a couple of days later but did not turn up. Appeals to trace him, including the Search programme on BBC1 presented by Crimewatch's Nick Ross, drew a blank.

At the time, his estranged parents believed their son, a member of Mensa, had gone off seeking some time on his own. Mr Christie was described as a deep thinker by his friends and family and was very involved in environmental issues.

Last night, Detective Inspector Jeff Holt, the man in charge of the inquiry, said: ''The bones have been confirmed as the remains of Paul Christie. There is nothing to suggest anything untoward or suspicious. A full inquiry was carried out into his disappearance and a report will be sent to the procurator-fiscal.''