19 November 2012 Last updated at 11:37 ET

Human bones houseboat owner named as Kevin Pryor

Officers are "working hard to identify" the bones found in the remains of the houseboat

Human bones have been discovered in the burned out remains of a houseboat destroyed by fire on a canal in Oxfordshire.

Detectives believe the boat, moored in Wolvercote on the Oxford Canal, was set on fire several hours before the alarm was raised on Friday evening.

Police said the owner of the houseboat was Kevin Pryor, 49.

His family has been informed with police seeking information on his movements last week.

The severity of the blaze had hampered their inquiry with teams working hard to identify the bones, police said.

Det Insp Mike Lynch, from Thames Valley Police, said: "I have been in contact with the family of Kevin in relation to the fire and the findings.

"The family request that their privacy is respected.

"I urge anyone who might have any information in relation to the fire or anyone who may have any information relating to Kevin's movements last week to come forward."