The family of Belfast man John George, found dead in Spain last week, have met with the PSNI as they await the return of his body to Northern Ireland.
John had been on holiday in Alicante when he went missing last month. The 37-year-old dad-of-two from west Belfast was last in touch with his family on December 14. He was reported missing four days later after he failed to board his flight home.
His parents Billy and Sharon, brother Darren, and sisters Courtney and Caitlin, along with up to 50 friends and wider family from Northern Ireland, were involved in the search operation. His body was found last week.
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In a statement issued on Monday evening, the family’s solicitor, Kevin Winters said: “Today we met with PSNI together with the family to discuss the latest out workings of the Spanish authorities investigation into the killing of Mr George.
“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 postmortem report on the deceased.
“The family feel very strongly about that so the assurances given this afternoon are very welcome. Of other significance is the need to get updated information on the status of inquiries into other suspects and equally PSNI have undertaken to try to get whatever information the Spanish feel they can impart at this stage without impinging upon the sensitivities of the various inquiries.
“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 to police.”
The statement went on to say that 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.
It added: “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. We expect to meet again in two weeks time for an update on all issues discussed.”
A man who was arrested by police investigating the death of Mr George, has been released on bail in Spain. The man, who has not been named, appeared in court in Torrevieja on Friday.
The 32-year-old from the Czech Republic was held on suspicion of murder on Tuesday hours after Mr George’s body was found. But he was bailed by a judge on Friday after being told he is being investigated as an alleged accomplice.
The George family arrived in Belfast International Airport on Friday afternoon to be greeted by crowds of supporters who clapped and came forward to embrace them. Billy George told those gathered they are determined to bring his son home to claps and cheers, as well as chants of “justice for John”.
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