THE family of a murdered Kent man was told five days before Christmas that part of his body had been found, it has been revealed.

Paul Rowlands, who was 48 when he went missing, was last seen in Cecil Avenue, Sheerness, on September 2, 2003. He lived at Ravelin House in Royal Road, Sheerness.

Part of his pelvis was dragged up by a trawler off Southend in October, but the family was not told until December 20 when scientific tests confirmed a DNA match.

The news has brought relief for his three sisters, Tula Harold, Tina Rowlands and Barbara Rogers, and their mother Winifred, 75.

Speaking on behalf of the family Tula Harold, 50, said: "Hearing the news was so bitter sweet. We are relieved that Paul has been found, even though it's only a part of him it doesn't matter. We knew he had been murdered and this just confirms it."

Last year a memorial service for Mr Rowlands' friends and family was held at Holy Trinity Church, Sheerness, on the anniversary of the last date he was seen.

Now the family will be able to say a proper farewell to Mr Rowlands.

The family is hoping to arrange his funeral for September 2 this year, as they will not be able to bury his remains until after a murder trial, scheduled for July, finishes.

She added: "The family is so grateful to all the people who have supported us."

Acting Det Ch Insp Maria Shepherd said: "Swale Police can confirm that part of a human pelvis was discovered in the sea off the coast of Southend in October. Scientific analysis has confirmed that the DNA taken from the remains matches that of Paul Rowlands."

* Michael Kemp, 31, and Lewis Scudder, 32, are charged with murdering Mr Rowlands and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. Scudder is also accused of actual bodily harm.

At a hearing at Maidstone Crown Court in December, Judge Andrew Patience, QC, set the trial date for July 4.