The family of John George from West Belfast, who has gone missing while on holiday in Alicante, Spain, have said they think he was shot and killed by a “dangerous friend” and his body has been hidden
The family of a missing man who has disappeared after travelling to Spain for a holiday believe he was killed by a ‘friend’ who has now fled the country.
Courtney George and many others have travelled to the sunny coastal town from Northern Ireland in an attempt to help find her brother John George, who is also known as John Hardy, after the Belfast man went missing before Christmas. Authorities in Spain are treating the case as a missing persons investigation, but John’s family believe he was shot dead and his body has been hidden.
A search for the missing 37-year-old was launched in the Alicante, Benidorm and Torrevieja regions after he missed a flight home on December 18 to spend the festive period with his children. Family last heard from the Irishman on December 14 when he was driving from Alicante to Benidorm. Since then, his phone has been switched off and loved ones have frantically booked flights to the country to help search for him.
Speaking to Spanish media, Courtney said: “His friend is the main suspect. He is not a good person, he was dangerous. We have no proof, but we believe it was him. He is not cooperating with the investigation, we do not know where he is, and he says he knows nothing.”
Search teams from Northern Ireland, including a K9 Search and Rescue squad, travelled out to Spain to undergo a search on New Year’s Day, BelfastLive reports. A spokesman for the group said: “Seven of our team and one K9 are on their way to Alicante, Spain from various airports, in the search for a missing man from Northern Ireland. We will join Evolsar colleagues from SAR Team, also with a K9. We hope to update you on our progress.”
Speaking about the horrific ordeal, Courtney added: “Family members, friends and people from Belfast have come who want to help look for his body. We are a big family, and John was well known and loved. We are searching in Alicante, Benidorm and Torrevieja. We only want his body back, that is why we are offering a large reward. We want to go home to bury him and never return to Spain again.”
John’s father Billy posted an emotional tribute on Facebook to update people on the search, concluding there was “still no joy with John”. He added: “This is going on too long. Please I beg you from the bottom of my heart, just give me him back and we’re out of here. I’m staying until I get him. Please just give me my son. That’s all I want, just my son.”
Police in Northern Ireland have confirmed they’re liasing with the family and have offered to help authorities in Spain with their investigation. The PSNI said it “will assist with any local enquiries as requested” by Spanish investigators. A police spokesperson added: “While the investigation must be progressed by Spanish police, the Police Service of Northern Ireland have made an offer of assistance to police in Spain and will assist with any local enquiries as requested by them.
“We would ask anyone who believes they may have information which could assist the Spanish Investigation Team with their investigation to contact us on 101. Any photographs or footage, including CCTV, mobile phone or dash cam footage, can be shared with the Police Service of Northern Ireland through the Major Incident Public Portal at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/PSNI24T24-PO1 and that information will be forwarded to Spanish Police.
“A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport or alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”