Body of missing backpacker found

Ronan Lawlor had been missing since 18 November

The body has been found of an Irish backpacker missing in South America.

Ronan Lawlor, 28, had not been in touch with family or friends since 18 November when he entered Torres del Paine national park in southern Chile.

It is believed Mr Lawlor's body was spotted lying in a remote crevice by tourists on Saturday and was recovered by local police on Sunday.

The County Laois man's family have said they are relieved to be bringing the remains of their son home.

Mr Lawlor had been travelling through Argentina and Chile. The alarm was raised after he failed to return to his hostel after a tour of the park.

The search was called off last month just before Christmas.

It is believed that official identification of the body is to be confirmed using DNA samples provided by the Lawlor family.