‘Devastating': Human remains found near Byron Bay are identified

Human remains found in bushland in northern NSW last month have been identified as those of missing woman Thea Liddle.

Police confirmed the skeletal remains found off Tallow Beach Rd in Byron Bay on July 15 belong to the 42-year-old.

Ms Liddle had no fixed address and was last seen in the Mooball area in October, before being reported missing by her family in January.

Police had already all but ruled out any possibility the remains belonged to missing 18-year-old Belgian backpacker Theo Hayez, who disappeared from the popular beach town more than a year ago.

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Police said it was purely coincidental both Ms Liddle and Mr Hayez disappeared in the Byron Bay area.

Superintendent Dave Roptell praised officers in the case, who uncovered information that led them to the bushland area where Ms Liddle was found.

"While the positive identification of these remains is a good result for Strike Force Holby detectives – it is also devastating news to Thea's family and friends," Supt Roptell said in a statement on Saturday.

"While they can now lay Thea to rest, questions around the circumstances of her death remain under investigation."

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