A mystery man who took ill in an Edinburgh cathedral and could not remember who he was has been identified as a missing Italian father.

Media in Italy have reported that the family of Salvatore Mannino, 52, confirmed his identity after Scottish police sent a photograph and description of his unique tattoos to the European authorities.

Mr Mannino collapsed in St Giles' Cathedral on September 20 and was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

Nearly a month later, the unidentified patient still had no memory of his identity and did not know where he came from.

After an investigation, police in Scotland believed he could have been Mr Mannino, who vanished from his home near Pisa on September 19.

After looking at weather forecasts for Aberdeen and Edinburgh, the father-of-four disappeared.

He left €10,300 in cash at home along with a cryptic note that his 18-year-old son, Filippo, believed read: "Forgive me, I'm sorry."

His mobile phone, credit cards and wallets were left behind, but his identity card was missing.

Police Scotland would not officially confirm the hospitalised man's identity, but were pleased to report they now know who he is.

A spokesperson stated: "Police in Edinburgh are pleased to confirm that the identity of a man who took unwell within St Giles' Cathedral on Thursday, September 20 has now been established.

"Officers would like to thank the public and media who shared our appeals for information and assisted with this investigation."