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The family of missing Belfast man John Hardy, also known as John George, say his body has been found in Spain.<\/p>\n
The family’s solicitor, Kevin Winters, said the missing man’s father, Billy George, received a call from Spanish police at about 17:00 GMT to tell them that Mr George’s remains were recovered. <\/p>\n
In a statement Mr Winters said: “Mr Billy George was told that his son’s body was now in a morgue, awaiting formal identification.<\/p>\n
“The family are both distressed, but also relieved at this latest news. It brings to an end an extremely torturous search process for the body.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Formal DNA identification is due to take place, but it is understood through clothing and tattoos the family believe it is the 37-year-old who has been missing since 14 December. <\/p>\n
Mr Hardy was last in touch with his family on that day when he drove from Alicante to Benidorm.<\/p>\n
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said it had been “liaising closely with the missing man’s family and other law enforcement agencies”.<\/p>\n
Members of the Northern Ireland-based K9 Search and Rescue NI, an all-volunteer canine search and rescue team, also travelled to Spain to help with search but returned at the weekend. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Mr Winter said Mr Hardy’s family wanted to thank all who have helped and supported them over the last number of days.<\/p>\n
He added: “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.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n