The actor went missing on a hike in January.

Walkers found the remains on Saturday, police told BBC, and they have now been formally identified.

The actor went missing on Jan 13.

He is known for his roles in films such as The Killing Fields, A Room with a View, Warlock, Arachnophobia, Boxing Helena, and Leaving Las Vegas.

On television, he portrayed Vladimir Bierko in 24, Jor-El in Smallville, and Yulish Rabitov in Banshee.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department told BBC the remains found in the Mount Baldy area at the weekend had been positively identified as the missing actor.

"The manner of death is still under investigation, pending further test results.

"We would like to extend our gratitude to all the volunteers that worked tirelessly to try to locate Mr Sands," they said in a statement.