The remains of an 11-year-old boy have been found almost 27 years after he was kidnapped by a masked gunman near his home in Minnesota, USA.

Jacob Wetterling was kidnapped by the masked man in October 1989 while riding his bike home from a convenience store near his home in St Joseph. The man threatened Jacob's brother and friend with being shot unless they ran away, before disappearing with Jacob.

His parents, Patty and Jerry, have campaigned relentlessly to keep his case in the spotlight ever since. Confirming the news today, Mrs Wetterling said: "Our hearts are broken."

The Stearns County Sheriff's Office released a statement, saying forensic testing had confirmed the remains found belonged to Jacob.

They did not confirm where the remains were found, but said authorities were reviewing new evidence in the case and hope to provide more information in the coming days.

Sources told NBC News affiliate KARE 11 that "person of interest" Danny Heinrich had led investigators to the spot where the remains were found.

Heinrich, aged 53, was arrested at the end of last year by officers who seized 19 ring binders filled with child pornography.

They also found a DNA sample linking him to the kidnap and sexual assault of another young boy at around the same time of Jacob's disappearance - though he cannot be charged with any offence, as the statute of limitations has expired in that case.

Authorities have long believed the two cases were linked.Mrs Wetterling took to Twitter on Saturday afternoon, thanking people for their support.

A statement has also been posted to the Facebook page of the Jacob Wetterling Resource Center, which aims to raise awareness and provide information to help families and communities tackle the exploitation of children.

They said: