The body of a woman found in a garden in Nottinghamshire shares a distinctive anatomical feature with a woman who lived there, it has been revealed.
The post-mortem finding has strengthened the belied that the remains belong to Bill and Pat Wycherley, a couple who disappeared in 1998.
One of the bodies is believed by experts to be that of an elderly white man who was older than 60, well-built and around 5ft 8in.
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The second set of remains is likely to be that of a well-built white woman, who was 40 or older and around 5ft 6in.
Although the cause of death of either person has yet to be determined, the female remains have a "distinctive feature in their anatomy".
Police uncovered the remains after a tip-off
A murder inquiry was launched after the bodies were unearthed in Forest Town, near Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, last week.
In their latest update on the investigation, officers said Mrs Wycherley was believed to have been born in Fulham, London, and would now have been 79.
Nottinghamshire Police said results from bone analysis had shed further light on the remains found at the semi-detached house in Blenheim Close.
Detective Chief Inspector Rob Griffin, who is leading the inquiry, said: "This latest development does further support our theory that the remains are that of the Wycherleys.
"Bill and Pat, who would be 100 and 79 respectively if they were to still be alive today, were known to be quite reclusive.
"But with help from relatives and old friends we are starting to build a picture of their lives and, more importantly, their movements in 1998, when neighbours say they simply disappeared."
Appealing for friends and relatives of Mrs Wycherley to contact police, Mr Griffin continued: "While we have learned some things about Bill, also known as Geoff, little is known about Pat. We believe her maiden name was Moore.
"The historic nature of the inquiry means it is a long and complex process. But we are determined to get to the bottom of who was buried in the garden, how they got there and for what reason."
Anyone with information to assist the inquiry is urged to contact the incident room on 0115 844 5012 or the Crimestoppers service anonymously on 0800 555111.