The PSNI have issued an appeal for information after a body was found by Spanish police searching for missing Belfast man John George.
The family of the 37-year-old was informed on Tuesday of the discovery of a body in the Rojales area of Alicante.
He had been missing from the Cabo Roig area since 14 December and feared murdered by his family, with the Guardia Civil now launching a formal murder investigation. A 32-year-old Czech Republic national has been arrested and remains in custody in Spain in connection with the death.
John George’s family are due to formally identify the body on Wednesday afternoon.
In an update on Wednesday, the PSNI issued a fresh appeal after it was informed of the discovery of the body.
Detective Inspector Jennifer Rea said: “My thoughts are, first and foremost, with Mr George’s family at this distressing time.
“Our dedicated Family Liaison Officers continue to provide support to the family, and we continue to work closely with international law enforcement agencies.
“I am keen to reiterate our appeal for anyone with information that could assist the Spanish Investigation Team with their enquiries to please contact us on 101.”
Photos and footage, including CCTV, mobile phone or dash cam footage, can be shared with the PSNI through a Major Incident Public Portal at https://mipp.police.uk, with information being shared with Spanish police.
The discovery of the body after a tip-off to Spanish police ends weeks of an “extremely tortuous” process of searching for a loved one.
The George family, many of whom flew out to Spain to take part in the search, were “distressed but relieved” as it ended weeks of anguished searching.
While Spanish police were carrying out what was described as a missing person’s investigation, the circumstances of his disappearance led to the family’s belief that he had been shot dead in Spain after being “lured” there for a holiday.
