Police confirmed on Monday that they have positively identified the remains of the first foot that washed up along British Columbia's coast, setting up a macabre mystery that puzzled police and drew international attention.

At the request of the family, the identity of the victim will not be released, but the RCMP did confirm he was from the B.C. Lower Mainland. Police also say the cause of death remains unknown but no evidence of foul play exists.

Previous media reports speculated that the victim was a depressed man who went missing about a year ago.

©Handout

Police made a positive identification for the remains of a right foot found in this Adidas running shoe found on Jedediah Island on Aug. 20, 2007.

The case began in August 2007 when two feet were found along the B.C.'s shoreline. Over a 10 month period, an additional three feet were found, bringing the total number of detached feet to five.

All of the feet were found still enclosed by running shoes.

The foot identified by RCMP on Monday was found in a blue and white Adidas running shoe, size 12.

Police have said there is no evidence the feet were severed - for example, there are no tool marks on the feet.

Prompted by the strong interest in the case, authorities held a news conference earlier this month, revealing that DNA had matched two of the five feet belonged to the same person, a man.

DNA testing also revealed the foot found on Kirkland Island in May belonged to a woman.

Investigators also ruled out the possibility that the feet could belong to the victims of a 2005 plane crash that occurred in the Quadra Island area.