DNA research by The Netherlands Forensic Institute has confirmed that blood traces found on the island of Curacao are from missing US Vice-Consul James Hogan.

The latest statement issued by the Public Prosecutor's Office for the Dutch Antilles confirmed that blood traces found on clothing and on the ground nearby are a match for Mr Hogan, who went missing eight days ago. The local authorities announced that a mobile telephone had been found in the sea and was being investigated further.

An intensive search has been underway for Mr Hogan since his wife reported him missing last Friday. The local police are getting support from both The Netherlands and US agencies, and the American and Dutch navies are also involved.

A US State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity to press agency AFA, said Mr Hogan had told his wife last Thursday he was going for a walk and had not taken anything with him. He has not been seen since. The Curacao police have now set up an anonymous tip line for anyone with information about his disappearance.

The case is inevitably being compared to that of US teenager Natalee Holloway, who disappeared on the Antillean island of Aruba in 2005. Despite years of searching, no trace of her has been found and no-one has been charged in connection with her disappearance.