Milton Keynes man who was missing for four years will finally be laid to rest

The heartbroken family of a man who has been missing for almost four years can finally say their goodbyes with a funeral service.
Stephen KeoghStephen Keogh
Stephen Keogh

His family clung onto the hope that he was alive, and put out heartfelt appeals for him to get in touch.

Family and friends continued to send him birthday messages on Facebook each year in the hope that he would see them.

Stephen KeoghStephen Keogh
Stephen Keogh

One message read: “We are tearing our hearts out and miss you more than you’ll ever realise.”

It adds: “We’re never going to give up looking for you and bugging you so please, please let someone know because you really are terrifying everyone.”

Three weeks ago police were called to woodland near Bletchley’s Granby Court flats after a member of the public found “human remains” in an old 250 metre long tunnel.

The remains, in the form of a skull, were analysed by experts while a team of specialist officers carried out a search of the area, which is just a mile and a half from Stephen’s home.

Stephen KeoghStephen Keogh
Stephen Keogh

DNA tests proved the identity, while pathologists established the cause of death was unexplained but not suspicious.

A friend of the family said: “It is the news everybody has been dreading and it is horrible ending after four years of worry.

“The only good thing is that the family can finally lay Stephen to rest and say a proper goodbye.”