Could camera discovered next to a skeleton on Greek holiday island solve 12 year old mystery?

A breakthrough in the hunt for a British man who disappeared from a Greek island in 2005 may have been made with the discovery of a camera next to a skeleton.

Steven Cook, 20, vanished on a night out with friends in the resort of Malia where the human remains were discovered.

A disposable camera was next to the body and experts are developing the film for clues about its identity, reports Daily Mail.

Steven's mother Pat, 73, said: "We have been told that a skeleton has been found - we don't know what to make of it.

"It was a shock to receive the call after all this time, it's upset all the family.

"We are waiting to hear more from the Greek authorities."

Forensic tests are being carried out and a DNA sample will be taken to see if it matches the missing British tourist.

Steven was on his first trip abroad in September 2005 when he vanished without trace.

He had been out drinking with friends but left a pub alone at the end of the night.

A huge search of the island was carried out but nothing was found and his disappearance has remained his mystery.

Pat and her husband Norman, 73, put up a 7,000 Euro (NZD $10341) reward for information about their missing son from Sandbach, Cheshire.

Police were called after the skeleton was discovered by workmen cleaning the well on Thursday.

The remains were taken to the forensic department of Heraklion University Hospital where the DNA test will be carried out.

A disposable camera was next to the body and experts are developing the film for clues. Photo / Supplied via findstevencook.co.uk

Islanders believe it may be Steven because there are very few unsolved missing persons in Crete.

One local said: "The owner of the well brought in a company to clean the well and empty whatever was at the bottom of it.

"They found a complete human skeleton, a small camera and a leather belt.

"The police and coroner were both called to the scene."

Locals said the bones were from a man of about average height and there was no signs he had suffered trauma.

Detective inspector Gary McIntyre said: "Officers are in liaison with the Greek authorities and are awaiting further information over the coming days.

"At this early stage, the remains have been removed and will be examined in Greece to determine whether they belong to a female or a male.

"It is important to remember that this discovery is being managed by the Greek authorities, who have primacy for this, and they will continue to liaise with our Senior Investigating Officer in Steven's case."