John George: Heartbroken family issue statement as murder probe launched after body discovered in Spain

The family of missing Belfast man John George have thanked the public for their help in searching for him after a body was found in Spain on Tuesday afternoon.

Although formal identification is yet to take place, it is believed that the body is that of the father of two from West Belfast, reports Belfast Live.

Mr George had travelled to the Alicante region of Spain and had last contacted his family on December 14. He was subsequently reported missing after he didn't turn up for his flight home on December 18.

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The family's solicitor, Kevin Winters, issued a statement on behalf of the family, which read: "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.

"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."

A separate statement posted on social media thanked the public for their help.

"The family of John George/ Hardy got a call late this afternoon to say a body had been found and they are sure it's John," they said.

"Until DNA tests are done, nothing is fully confirmed. Johns parents and siblings want to thank everyone for all their help in this heartbreaking time.

"Everyone's love for John has brought both sides of the community together. Please just be patient as we're trying to come to terms with all this. When we get confirmation it's John, we'll let you all know. Thank you and God bless."

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