The police have confirmed that the remains of James Patterson, who had been missing since 1991, has been found in the River Bann near Bellaghy, North Ireland.

Patterson, who was 54 when he went missing, was last seen at the Mid Ulster Hospital in County Londonderry on October 6, 1991, said the authorities.

The family of Patterson has been informed of the discovery.

A rusting vehicle was recovered from the bottom of the river last month, which the police believe can be connected with the disappearance of Patterson.

A Ford Orion was dredged up at New Ferry Road on July 18, 2020, after it was discovered by a local search and rescue team.

A team of forensic experts was brought for the case and they identified that the remains belong to Patterson.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland released a statement about the incident, where they said:

Police can confirm human remains were found following the recovery of a car from the River Bann at the New Ferry Road in Bellaghy last month. The vehicle was recovered from the river in July and, following examination, it has been confirmed the human remains are those of James Patterson, who went missing on 6th October 1991. The family have been informed and request for privacy at this time.

Local politicians welcomed the recovery of the vehicle and said that they hoped it would lead to answers for the family of Patterson.

The man had been missing for almost 3 decades.

Authorities say that they are hoping that this investigation could give answers to the family of Mr. Patterson after all these years.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Mr. Patterson.