Human remains found in Amazon identified as British journalist

The remains of one of the two bodies found in the remote Amazon rainforest are those of UK journalist Dom Phillips, it has been confirmed. Mr Phillips, a journalist from Lancaster, was confirmed by dental records following an autopsy.

The second body - believed to be that of indigenous expert Bruno Pereira - is still being examined.

Following the announcement by Brazilian police, Mr Phillips' wife Alessandra Sampaio said: "This tragic outcome puts an end to the anguish of not knowing Dom and Bruno's whereabouts. Now we can bring them home and say goodbye with love."

In another statement, his family said: "We are grateful to all those who have taken part in the search, especially the indigenous groups who worked tirelessly to find evidence of the attack," they said in a statement on Wednesday.

"We thank the many people who have joined us in urging the authorities to intensify the search and those who have reached out with words of comfort and sympathy," they added.

Mr Phillips, 57, and Brazilian indigenous expert Mr Pereira, 41, are believed to have last been seen early on June 5 in the Sao Rafael community. On Saturday, separate reports emerged that police had discovered human matter in the Itaquai River, near Atalaia do Norte’s port. Authorities previously said blood found on Pelado’s boat had been sent for analysis.

Earlier this week, a suspect confessed to burying the bodies.

Officials in Brazil say Amarildo da Costa de Oliveira - nicknamed Pelado - has confessed to the crime but detectives have refused to give any further details about the suspect or how he allegedly killed the pair. His brother Oseney da Costa de Oliveira has also been arrested, The Mirror reports.

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