DNA results hit Morcombe family like 'sledgehammer' Live

Daniel Morcombe's parents say confirmation that human remains found on Queensland's Sunshine Coast belonged to their son was like "waiting for a sledgehammer to hit you". Bruce and Denise Morcombe have spoken publicly for the first time since police revealed yesterday that three bones found in bushland at Beerwah matched Daniel's DNA. Mr Morcombe says the family is feeling a mixture of relief and loss at the news. "Very sadly we had the confirmation that Daniel's remains are indeed at Glass House Mountains," he said. "We're to some degree quite traumatised by Daniel's loss and the findings. "It's something like waiting for the sledgehammer to hit you, but it still does come as a shock." Daniel was 13 when he disappeared at Woombye on the Sunshine Coast hinterland in 2003, sparking the largest missing persons case in Queensland's history. Since his disappearance the Morcombes have worked tirelessly to keep the case in the national consciousness. Mr Morcombe says while the DNA confirmation will not provide closure for the family, it represents an important step forward. "We wrestled with finding the appropriate word, and closure's one we've never been comfortable with," he said. "I, to some degree, just put it as relief. We've worked incredibly hard to find Daniel. "It's a place you don't want to be, but at the same time it is a relief we're entering the final chapter." An emotional Ms Morcombe said "we said we'd never give up and we proved it". But she says family will wait until all of Daniel's remains are recovered before they begin to plan a funeral. The entire Morcombe family, including Daniel's brothers Bradley and Dean, last week visited the site where the remains were found, and Ms Morcombe said it was "heartbreaking" watching her sons absorb the reality of the situation. "It was reality setting in, that no longer was their brother missing, the reality was their brother was murdered," Mr Morcombe said. But he said the family was not dwelling on the upcoming court case. "We don't focus anger, we don't focus on the court case or the person who's been charged; our focus has been on finding Daniel," he said. Search stalls Police say it could be several days before they can resume the search for Daniel's remains. The operation at the Beerwah site has been suspended since Saturday due to bad weather. Police say they are monitoring conditions and will resume as soon as possible. Officers have been scouring buildings near the site in the meantime, but would not reveal any further details. They say the investigation is ongoing and will keep searching for months if necessary. Police have charged Brett Peter Cowan with a number of offences, including with Daniel's abduction and murder. The father of three has signalled he will fight the charges.