A MAN, whose remains were discovered close to the M54, has been formally identified as Surjit Takhar, who disappeared from his Oldbury home seven years ago.

Surjit Takhar, aged 37, who lived in a flat in Bromford Road, was last seen by his family in September 2008 and reported missing on October 8 that year.

Despite a detailed investigation by police at the time of his disappearance, his remains were not discovered until August 20 last year.

They were found by maintenance workers at the bottom of an embankment, next to the slip road at Junction 4 of the M54 in Telford.

West Mercia Police established a full DNA profile, following lengthy investigations and detailed forensic searches.

They were finally able to formally identify him after further analysis of the DNA and of Mr Takhar’s dental records.

But the cause of death remains unknown and the case continues to be dealt with as an unexplained death.

Detective chief inspector Neil Jamieson, who is leading the investigation, said: "Our thoughts are with Surjit's family at this very difficult time.

“We are continuing to investigate his death, and now that we have a formal identification, we are pursuing other lines of inquiry to establish what has happened. We remain open minded as to how he died.

“At the time Surjit was reported missing, West Midlands Police carried out a significant investigation in to his disappearance. As such we have been working closely with them to get an understanding of the inquiry, to try and piece together why and how he would end up at this inaccessible and unusual location.

“We would like to thank everyone who has assisted us with our inquiries so far, and we would urge anyone who knows anything about Surjit's disappearance in 2008, including how he may have travelled to Telford, to contact police."

Anyone with information should contact the West Mercia Major Investigation Room at Telford by calling 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or by visiting the website www.crimestoppers.org