The identity of the person whose naked body was found on Dícido beach in Mioño (near Castro Urdiales) shortly before 3pm yesterday afternoon, has been confirmed as JJMM, a 53 year old man from Ortuella (Vizcaya) whose car was found parked nearby.

It is not known at this stage whether decapitation was caused by violence or as a result of the stormy sea conditions currently affecting this stretch of Spain's north coast, which may have dashed the body against rocks as it was being swept to shore.

An autopsy will be performed today.

The photo was taken yesterday on the island of Mouro at the entrance to Santander port.