The remains of a woman who was murdered 20 years ago could help to solve the mystery surrounding how she died.

The discovery was made today at Wentwood Reservoir in South Wales and the remains are thought to be those of Sandie Bowen.

She went missing from her home in South Wales in August 1997 where she was last thought to have boarded a train to Folkestone where her daughter Anita Giles lives.

Her husband Michael Bowen was jailed for her murder, despite never admitting exactly what happened or where her body was.

It was reported that he murdered her in a jealous rage after learning that she was having an affair, before dumping her body in the Wentwood forest.

He was released from prison in 2015 but has never revealed the location of his wife's body.

A spokesman for Gwent Police said: "Following the discovery of human remains in Wentwood Reservoir, we can now confirm that the body has been identified as female.

"Specialist teams are now working with officers to identify the body.

"At this time, we are following many lines of inquiry and we'd ask members of the public not to speculate about the identity of the female."

Mrs Bowen's daughter Ms Giles has repeatedly appealed for Bowen to reveal more information.

She told the KM Group in 2002: "He has finally admitted his involvement, but he still isn't telling the true story about what happened.

"I don't know why he's finally decided to say something.

"Maybe he's found his conscience, maybe he feels guilty for me and my children."

He claimed the last sighting of his wife was on that summer's day when he dropped her off at Newport Station.