THE family of missing man Steven Cook are being kept informed by police of any developments following the discovery of what appears to be human remains in Crete.

Steven, from Sandbach, who was 20 at the time of his disappearance, went missing on September 1, 2005 during a holiday to Malia on the Greek island.

He had travelled to the island with friends, and was last seen outside a pub in the resort asking for directions to his hotel.

He was en-route back to his hotel - the Hotel Frixos - when he went missing.

Despite extensive inquiries by his family, the Greek authorities, the British Consulate and Cheshire Police Steven has never been found.

Detective Inspector Gary McIntyre from Cheshire Police said: “Cheshire Constabulary is aware of the discovery of what appear to be human remains in Malia, Crete.

“Officers are in liaison with the Greek authorities and are awaiting further information over the coming days.

“Steven Cook’s family is aware of the discovery and we will be keeping them fully updated on any developments.

“They have been provided with support since Steven first went missing, and this will continue at what is understandably an emotional time for them.

“At this early stage, the remains have been removed and will be examined in Greece to determine whether they belong to a female or a male.

"It is important to remember that this discovery is being managed by the Greek authorities, who have primacy for this, and they will continue to liaise with our Senior Investigating Officer in Steven’s case.

“We will continue to liaise with both the Greek authorities and Steven’s family moving forward.

Cheshire Constabulary remains committed to finding Steven.

A file on his disappearance is maintained by the force, and will not be closed until information is received which confirms what has happened to him.

Steven’s family have campaigned continuously to find out what happened to him, and put up a 7,000 Euro reward for information.

They set up a Facebook page entitled Find Steven Cook, to enable people to get in touch with information.