POLICE have confirmed that the body found on an Arbroath beach late last month was that of missing Dunfermline teenager Ralphie Smith.

The shocking discovery of Ralphie's body was made by a member of the public at Victoria Park on the morning of March 26.

The former pupil of Woodmill High School was found a month after the 18-year-old had fallen from nearby cliffs during a family walk on Saturday, February 25 at around 1pm.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Police Scotland can confirm that following the recovery of a body from the beach near Victoria Park, Arbroath on Sunday March 26, the man has been identified."

Ralphie's family were informed of the discovery immediately.

The beauty spot was cordoned off by police officers while forensics officers examined the scene.

A coastguard helicopter, lifeboats and coastguard rescue teams all took part in the search for the teenager.

Volunteer pilots from the UK Civil Air Patrol Scotland (UKCAPS) also carried out multiple patrols of the coastline.

Ralphie Smith's family were faced with further tragedy when two of his relatives died the day after his disappearance, after they attended a family vigil for the teenager. 

A 42-year-old man had been charged in connection with their deaths.