It is hope the victims of the tragedy will identified using DNA

Eight officers from the county force returned from China last week after meeting the 22 families of the victims of the Morecambe Bay tragedy.

They took DNA samples that should identify the victims within weeks.

Further details of the inquiry come days after another body - possibly the 21st victim - was found at the bay.

Following the police team's return from China, the identities of all the victims should be made within the next two weeks, according to Detective Chief Inspector Steve Brunskill.

Inquest to open

Samples are due to be sent to a coroner who will open an inquest.

Mr Brunskill said: "With the assistance of the local mayor and police in five different towns we visited, we were able to obtain DNA samples that should confirm identification."

The cocklers died when they were caught in fast incoming tides at night, off Hest Bank on the bay, early in February.

Councillors in Lancaster have also met this week to discuss measures to avoid a repeat of the tragedy.

Lancaster City Council met a day after three mussel collectors were rescued in water at nearby Foulney Island, near Barrow, Cumbria.

Conservative councillors said little action has been taken since the tragedy and that it is only a matter of time before there are more deaths.