The family of missing Belfast man John George say they are ‘distressed and relieved’ after a body was found in Spain.
A statement from 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.
It added that a murder investigation has also been launched.
“We can confirm the father of Mr George contacted us today shortly after 5pm to confirm Spanish police told him they had recovered his son’s remains,” the statement said.
“Mr Billy George was told that his son’s body was now in a morgue awaiting formal identification
“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.”
Also known as John Hardy, the father of two had been holidaying in Alicante and was last in touch with his family on December 14.
The 37-year-old was reported missing four days later after he failed to board his flight home to Northern Ireland.
The PSNI said it had been ‘liaising closely with the missing man’s family and other law enforcement agencies'.
Members of the Northern Ireland-based K9 Search and Rescue NI also travelled to Spain to help with the search but returned at the weekend.
