Paula Hounslea was 37 when she went missing from West Derby in 2009
Paula Hounslea was 37 when she went missing from West Derby in 2009 Police handout

Human remains that were found near an unused railway in Liverpool have been identified as a woman who disappeared three years ago.

Paula Hounslea, who was 37 when she went missing from West Derby, was last seen at a family meal on 22 August, 2009.

Her skeleton, which was singed, was found by a dog walker near the Liverpool Loopline in Fazakerley on 5 May.

Police said that her bones may have been in that spot for up to seven months. She was identified by a gold pendant, which was near her remains.

Det Ch Insp Phil McEwan said: "Now that we have made a positive identification, our investigation into the circumstances surrounding Paula's death will continue.

"Our thoughts remain with Paula's family, who have asked that the media respect their privacy as they come to terms with their terrible loss."

Gold