Body found in search for Belfast father missing in Spain as murder probe launched
Share:
John George was reported missing after he failed to board his flight to return home for Christmas. The family of missing Belfast man John Hardy, also known as John George, say his body has been found in Spain. The 37-year-old had been holidaying in Alicante and was last in touch with his family on December 14.
![[His family reported him missing after he failed to board his flight home]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/12/27/15/newFile.jpg)
The father of two was reported missing four days later after he failed to board his flight home to Northern Ireland. Solicitor firm KRW Law said Mr George’s father Billy contacted them on Tuesday evening with an update that Spanish police believed they had found his son’s remains, and that a murder investigation had been launched.
![[Siblings Darren, Courtney and Caitlyn had travelled out to find John George (right)]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/07/19/01JGVJQH30F9Q8W0H78F9EB9GF.jpg)
“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.”. Speaking to The Independent in December, his brother Darren said: “Our family home has been ripped to pieces. Dad has had a heart attack, our mum has had two strokes, but they are still running around Spain looking out for him.”.
