THE body of a man found in a shallow grave in Ireland could be that of a missing busker thought to come from Kent.

Irish police think the remains are those of Dave Rawson, nicknamed Tang, who they believe originates from Tunbridge Wells.

The body has been lying unidentified in the morgue at University College Hospital Galway for six years.

The badly decomposed body was found wrapped in a blue sleeping bag, tied with nylon twine, in a shallow grave at the back of house in Salthill just outside the city in April 2002.

It may have been in the ground for up to three years. Police say they believe he may have died of natural causes and been buried by friends.

Gardaí have interviewed people in Galway and England, but until he is positively identified, an inquest cannot be held.

Supt Noel Kelly said officers wanted to be able to give him a proper burial.

He said: "Everything points to this man in the photograph. This was shown to everyone we interviewed and they said this is Dave, but I can't get the man buried because I can't get a positive ID."

None of Mr Rawson's relatives have been found but police hope some may come forward now.

He trained as a classic musician in London but ended up earning a living busking in Galway.

The remains were discovered by a man who bought the house when he was excavating the back garden.