Dutch women missing in Panama are confirmed dead

Residents of Boquete were shocked by the women's disappearance and held vigils in the town

The parents of two Dutch women who went missing in April while travelling in Panama have confirmed the two are dead.

Relatives of Kris Kremers said forensic tests had revealed human remains found last week were those of the 21-year-old.

On Monday, experts confirmed that DNA taken from the parents of Lisanne Froon, 22, showed that the bones found were of those of their daughter.

It is still not clear how the two died.

'Tough news'

In a statement, Ms Kremers' family said they "had to confront the tough news that, just like Lisanne, Kris also died during her trip to Panama".

Local prosecutor Betzaida Pitty said so far no-one was being investigated in connection with their deaths.

Ms Kremers and Ms Froon were last seen on 2 April near Boquete, where they had travelled to do social work with children after completing a two-week Spanish course.

A Dutch search team travelled to Panama in May but did not manage to find the women

Locals sais they went walking along a mountain path in the densely wooded area along Panama's border with Costa Rica.

Boquete is a popular destination for hikers exploring the nearby cloud forest, waterfalls and coffee plantations.

In 2009, a 29-year-old British man disappeared from the town. He left all his belongings and only had with him his passport, credit card and a few dollars.

While visitors are warned against travelling to Panama's eastern border with Colombia because of the presence of Colombian rebels in the area, its western border region is generally considered to be safe.