Remains confirmed to be from murdered teenager

Hayden Miles. Photo / supplied

Human remains found last week in a Christchurch cemetery have today been formally identified as those of murdered teenager Hayden Miles.

Christchurch Police have confirmed that the post-mortem examination on human remains recovered by the Operation Miles investigation team has been completed.

The remains have been formally identified as that of Hayden Peter Miles, aged 15, of Christchurch.

A statement released from the Miles family, via the police, today said: "Hayden was a shy, sensitive and vulnerable boy who, like many young teenagers, was struggling to find his way in the world. As a family we loved him very much and we were committed to helping him transition through this difficult period in his life.

"We accessed every resource we could to try to ensure positive outcomes for Hayden. We are all devastated that those outcomes have not been realised and that Hayden has been robbed of the opportunity to become the courageous and good-hearted man he showed promise of becoming.

"We hope that Hayden's tragic death highlights the urgent need for adequate resourcing to protect other vulnerable young teenagers.

"We would like to thank all those people who responded to appeals for information during the search for Hayden. It was encouraging to know that so many people were looking out for Hayden and wanted to help.

"We sincerely thank the police and others associated with the investigation for their tireless and ongoing efforts. We continue to request that our privacy is respected and wish to thank all of those who have provided the family support at this most difficult time.''

The distraught Miles family has also today announced plans for a "celebration of Hayden's life'' this Friday.

A death notice published today states: `MILES, Hayden Peter - Tragically taken from his family on August 22, 2011. Treasured and dearly loved son of Jacqui and Peter, and brother of Aleshia and Madison. Much loved grandson, great-grandson, nephew and cousin.

'Darling Hayden, you will be in our hearts and we will carry you with us always. We miss you each and every day.'

The service will be held at Westpark Chapel in the Burnside area of Christchurch on Friday at 2pm.

The Miles family asked that their "need for privacy during their most difficult time'' is respected and that only close friends and family attend.

A 27-year-old man will make a second court appearance charged with the murder on Thursday - a day before the 15-year-old's private remembrance.

Police investigating Miles' disappearance - since August 22 - recovered human remains from a crime scene at Ruru Lawn Cemetery in Linwood last week.

Miles was robbed of a cask of wine just hours before he was murdered, police allege.

A 27-year-old man appeared has been charged with his murder, and two others have been charged in relation to Miles' disappearance.

An 18-year-old woman, granted name suppression, is accused of being an accessory after the fact, while a 35-year-old man is charged with robbing Miles of a cask of wine on August 22 - the last day he was seen alive.

He last spoke to his mother Jacqui from an unknown person's cellphone in the Linwood area before going to a friend's house on Cashel St on August 22.