DNA tests prove man found in Cyprus is NOT missing Ben Needham
THE family of Ben Needham have revealed DNA tests carried out in Cyprus have proved a man who 'bore a resemblance' to their son is not the missing Briton.
A post on the official Help Find Ben Needham Facebook page revealed DNA tests carried out by Greek authorities on the man did not find a match.
An anonymous source had handed in the video of the young man and Ben's mother Kerry Needham previously said he "bears a resemblance to how Ben might now look."
The statement said: "The Needham family have, in the last few minutes......had confirmation that the DNA results on the man in Cyprus have came back as negative.
"This, again, is more disappointment for Kerry and her family. However, they remain strong and resolute in their search for Ben, and there are other leads currently being looked into which keeps their hopes alive."
The DNA test results were published on Ben's 24th birthday and the family had spent the day awaiting to hear if there was a match.
He went missing 22 years ago when he was a toddler while on holiday with his family on the Greek island of Kos.
Since he disappeared there have been a number of possible sightings and Scotland Yard recently released an image of how he would look today.
The man who was filmed at a church in Limassol had facial similarities with reconstructions of how Ben may now look, according to Mrs Needham.
He came forwarded and handed himself into authorities in Cyprus this week after footage of him was linked to the missing Briton over the weekend.
At the time, Mrs Needham told The Sunday Mirror: "I've seen the picture and believe he bears a resemblance to how Ben might now look.
"As a family we're greatly lifted by this and we will be in close contact with the Greek authorities to make sure we are kept aware of any progress.
"We've never given up hope of finding Ben and we are encouraged that the police in Greece are continuing to investigate."
A major police operation was carried out last year that focused on a mound of earth and rubble close to where Ben was last seen but no trace of him was found.