The family of a Belfast man found dead in Spain have said their priority is bringing his body back to Northern Ireland.
John George’s family met PSNI representatives on Monday, where they raised the importance of receiving regular updates on the investigation from Spanish authorities.
Mr George, 37, a father-of-two from west Belfast, also known as John Hardy, had been on holiday in Alicante when he was reported missing in December.
Several members of his family travelled to Spain to help in the search and a body was found last week.
A man has appeared in court in Spain on suspicion of his murder.
A statement from the George family, released through their solicitor, said they had met the PSNI, just days after returning from Spain.
Members of John George’s family returned on Friday (Brian Lawless/PA)
They said: “We are pleased to report that assurances were given on upscaling communication with Spanish police to access key information on the current status of their investigation.
“The most important issue right now for the family is when their son’s body will be returned back to Belfast.
“To date, despite the recovery of John’s remains almost one week ago, it remains unclear as to when the autopsy will be concluded.
“Importantly, police confirmed today they will help facilitate all steps towards completion of a second post-mortem report on the deceased.
“The family feel very strongly about that so the assurances given this afternoon are very welcome.”
The family raised concerns about being able to receive communication from Spanish authorities without impinging on the sensitivities of police inquiries.
The statement said: “We have also learned that police will assist as far as possible in the investigation of any links of suspects and persons of interest in Belfast.
“In doing so, PSNI stress again that this is an extra jurisdictional investigation so any steps of a proactive nature must, unless anything changes, be taken upon direction of the Spanish police.
“The key message from today’s meeting is the undertaking given by police to the family that they will act as an information conduit with the Spanish.
“To date the family have been very frustrated with what they see as a communication deficit with the Spanish.
“To that end anything that can help address this information gap has to be welcomed.”
The family said they would meet the PSNI again in two weeks for an update.