Police launched a murder inquiry today after finally identifying human remains found dumped in a lay-by more than seven years ago.

Parts of a human skeleton were discovered by the side of the A6033 in the picturesque village of Oxenhope, near Keighley, West Yorkshire, in March 1997.

The victim's identity remained a mystery until a recent DNA test finally proved the bones were those of missing Bradford man Leonard Fulbirg.

The 49-year-old, who was originally from Newcastle upon Tyne, disappeared on the evening of August 11, 1996 after telling his family he was meeting a friend at a McDonald's restaurant on Rooley Lane in Bradford. He was never seen again.

At a press conference just yards from the desolate spot where the victim's remains were found, police revealed the body had been dismembered and burnt before being dumped in the lay-by.

Detective Superintendent Phil Sedgwick, who is leading the inquiry, described Mr Fulbirg as a ''rogue'' with a conviction for indecently assaulting an under-age girl.

He had been married four times and had fathered up to 32 children with a number of women and was also known to police as a thief with a number of convictions for dishonesty.

But police insisted that the victim was not involved in drugs.

''We are keeping an open mind to the motive at the moment. Any of these aspects of his life could have played a part in his death but at this stage we simply don't know,'' Mr Sedgwick said.

West Yorkshire Police said they now plan to deploy a search and rescue team near the area where Mr Fulbirg's remains were discovered in the hope of finding his missing skull, leg and arm bones.

''We have already spoken to people who saw or spoke with Lennie in the days leading up to his disappearance. In particular, we have interviewed his close friends and his close associates.

''We have a very detailed account of his movements immediately before his murder. This remains the focus of our attention and every one of those specific details will now be developed further.

''I would advise anyone who had anything to do with him or met with him in the last few days of his life to come forward now. Several people already have.

''We are also appealing to anyone who holds information as to why they believe Lennie was murdered to contact us.''