A solicitor representing the family of John George, whose body is believed to have been found in Spain yesterday, nearly 25 days after he went missing, says they are confident the man arrested by police is “significant” to the investigation.
A body believed to belong to the west Belfast father-of-two was found around 40 minutes from Alicante yesterday afternoon, under trees on private property, nearly three weeks after John George was reported missing.
In the last contact with his family on December 14, John George told his family he was planning on travelling to Benidorm. He was due to fly home on December 18, but never boarded the plane.
A 32-year-old man from the Czech Republic has since been arrested — with the George family understanding he is “significant” to the investigation.
Spanish police have up to 72 hours from the time of arrest to hold the suspect before handing him over to an investigating judge for further questioning, although in exceptional cases they can apply for an extension.
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Mr George’s father — Billy, is currently identifying what is believed to be his son’s remains, which are currently being held in a morgue in Alicante.
Upon discovery, Spanish police were confident the remains belonged to the west Belfast man through his appearance and tattoos.
Mr George’s father was not on the search when the remains were discovered and instead was informed by police by phone shortly before 5pm.
Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, Kevin Winters from KRW Law, who is aiding the George family, said the family are “emotionally drained” following the discovery of what is believed to be their son’s remains in Spain.
“I spoke with Billy George last night and he was relieved his son’s remains have been found, but he obviously is incredibly distressed at having to identify his remains, which is taking place now.
“Equally, there is a traumatic ordeal of having to go through the autopsy of John George’s remains, which can take up to two weeks, so most of the family will likely remain in Spain until this is over, so they can bring their loved one back.”
John George
Mr Winters said the family’s energy “has now been redeployed” into engaging with the Spanish investigation into Mr George’s death.
“The family have a lot of questions, on if this man is the suspect or one of a series of suspects — and up until recently, the police have been tight-lipped on what they have told the family, which is understandable from a logistical policing perspective, but at some point we expect them to get some basic information about his custody status,” he said.
“However, from speaking with the George family, they understand this arrest is significant.
“There is an unusual amount of conflicting emotions, because a huge amount of energy was dedicated to looking for John George’s body, but now this is refocused and realigned to investment in a full-scale murder investigation.
“The whole spectrum of emotions is in play, there are times the family are incredibly emotional, from a human level, anyone could understand they can barely sleep or eat — their existence has been suspended, they are living in a horrible reality. They are emotionally drained, especially because this is another jurisdiction and the fact that foul play is suspected.
“The family have anxieties over the state of the investigation, the suspect in custody and if there are going to be any more arrests — then they will finally decide to return home, but this could go on for weeks.”
Yesterday, a Spanish police spokesperson said: “Yesterday morning the Civil Guard discovered the body of a man in Rojale.
“The Territorial Judicial Police team of Pilar de la Horadada has been put in charge of the ongoing investigation.
“All the necessary work is being done at the moment to determine the cause of death and confirm the man’s identity.
“Pending the full forensic results everything is pointing to it being a missing person whose family reported his disappearance on 21 December 2024.
“Following the discovery of the body, a 32-year-old man was arrested yesterday on suspicion of homicide.
“Further information will be provided as soon as more details become available.”
In a statement, the PSNI said its thoughts were with the George family and its family liaison officers were continuing to provide support to them.
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,” she added.
“Photos and footage, including CCTV, mobile phone or dash cam footage, can be shared with the Police Service through the Major Incident Public Portal at https://mipp.police.uk Information will be shared with Spanish Police.
“Information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers, with total anonymity, on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org”.
News Catch Up – Wednesday 8 January