Thirlmere’'s northern end, with the wooded slopes leading to The Benn. Photo: Simon James CC-BY-SA-2.0

The man whose partly decomposed body was found by a walker in the Lake District more than two weeks ago has been named by police.

Cumbria Constabulary used dental records to identify the dead man as John Charles Ford of Atherton, Manchester. Mr Ford’s remains were found by a walker in woodland on The Benn, above Thirlmere, on Monday, 8 February.

Police said they do not believe there were any suspicious circumstances surrounding the man’s death.

Mr Ford was reported missing in February 2005. His car, a silver Toyota, was found just over a month later in Keswick. Despite searches, he was not located. He was 41 at the time of his disappearance.

Members of Keswick Mountain Rescue Team helped police recover the body from the site near the hamlet of Smaithwaite. Mr Ford was said to be dressed in walking gear.

Cumbria police said Mr Ford’s immediate family and the local coroner have been informed.