John George, also known as John Hardy, was reported missing on December 18 after failing to catch a flight home from Spain where he had gone to visit friends three weeks earlier
A body has been found in Spain and is believed to be that of missing Belfast man John George.
The 37-year-old father-of-two, also known as John Hardy, was reported missing on December 18 after failing to catch a flight home from Spain where he had gone to visit friends three weeks earlier. His family had become concerned when his phone went dead on December 14 and in a final phone call he had appeared "distressed".
A major search was launched on the Costa Blanca involving friends and family to try and locate him. Parents Billy and Sharon, brother Darren, and sisters Courtney and Caitlin - along with up to 50 friends and wider family from Northern Ireland - were involved in the wide-scale operation.
John George (right) last contacted his family on December 14 ( Image: PA)
Police in Northern Ireland have been aiding their Spanish counterparts with their investigation and had issued appeals for information that could locate Mr George. But just before 5pm UK time today, the family received a call from the Cuerpo de la Guardia Civil saying they had located the body.
Formal identification is due to take place, but it is understood that through clothing and tattoos, the body is almost certain to be that of Mr George, the Belfast Telegraph reported. DNA testing will have to take place to formally identify the remains.
John’s young brother Darren previously said the family had been "ripped to pieces" following his disappearance. The missing man’s sister Courtney George, 31, who also joined the search, said she believes he was murdered.
"I think he has been murdered and his body hidden somewhere. Those responsible need to tell us where he is," she told Sunday Life. "I am in caves and mountains looking for my brother while they have run away. They need to tell us what they know.
"We’ve already been to the last place he was seen to ask for doorbell or dashcam footage as well as CCTV. Once we locate video evidence we can work with getting canines to the location but we need proof about where he might be so the dogs know where to start."
A statement issued on the family’s behalf this evening said the discovery of the remains today ended "an extremely tortuous search process" for them. Solicitor firm KRW Law said Mr George’s father contacted them shortly after 5pm to say that Spanish police believe they have found his son’s remains.
A murder investigation has also been launched, it said. "Mr Billy George was told that his son’s body was now in a morgue awaiting formal identification," the statement said. "The family are both distressed but also relieved at this latest news.
"It brings to an end an extremely tortuous search process for the body. The family want to thank all who have helped and supported them over the last number of days. They now respectfully ask for some privacy to allow them both time and space to engage on the next harrowing stages on what is now a formalised murder investigation."
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