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Father fears son who is missing in Spain is dead

Family handout John Hardy is smiling into the camera. He's wearing a black cap, with a design on it, and a navy top and a checked scarf.Family handout
John Hardy, also known as John George, was due to board a flight home on 18 December

The father of a Belfast man who has been missing in Spain for two weeks says he feels his son is dead.

John Hardy, also known as John George, was last in touch with his family on 14 December, when he drove from Alicante to Benidorm.

Billy George said all he wanted was to take his son's body home for burial.

Mr Hardy, who has two sons, flew out to Spain three weeks ago.

Family handout John Hardy man smiles into the camera. He is holding his hands up. He's wearing a dark green T-shirt and is sitting in a restaurant.Family handout
John Hardy arrived in Spain on 4 December

He was due to board a flight home on 18 December.

On Saturday, the Belfast Telegraph reported that police in Spain were now treating his disappearance as a crime rather than a missing person investigation.

BBC News NI has contacted police in Spain for comment.

Mr George said his son phoned him on the afternoon of 14 December.

"I sent him over some money and he said he was coming home on 18 of December, " Mr George said.

"John rings me up to seven times a day.

"I was also concerned as I was texting him and I was getting no reply, but my family said he'd probably lost his phone.

"My son never stops ringing anybody, even if his mobile was lost he would stop a stranger in the street and ask to lend theirs to ring home.

"When he didn't get the flight I knew there was something wrong."

A zoom screenshot of Billy George - he is bald and is wearing a black polo shirt. Behind him is a blue sky with white clouds.
Billy George is currently in Spain searching for his son

'Not leaving until I get my son'

Mr George said his life would never be the same.

"Christmas Day everyone is sitting down opening their presents - I'm searching the fields looking for my son - that's my Christmas - I'll never have Christmas again.

"I'm so sorry for John's two sons back home.

"His mother is broken as are his two sisters and other brother. It will never be the same in my home.

"It's bad enough losing someone, but in these circumstances, it's terrible.

"We've had great support from family and friends back home – all I want is my son.

"I'm planning to stay in Spain. I'm not leaving until I get my son."

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said its officers were liaising with the missing man's family.

"While the investigation must be progressed by Spanish police, the PSNI will assist with any local enquiries as requested by them," a spokesperson said.