Murder Investigation Launched After Missing Northern Irish Man Found Dead in Spain

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A murder investigation has been initiated in Spain following the discovery of the body of John George, a 37-year-old man from Belfast, Northern Ireland, who had been missing since December 18. George, a father of two, was on a brief visit to Spain when he failed to board his flight home, prompting concern from his family.

Local authorities located George's body in trees near Rojales, approximately 45 minutes south of Alicante, after an extensive search involving family members and a volunteer canine search team from Northern Ireland. The family had traveled to Spain to assist in the search efforts, with emotional appeals for information regarding his whereabouts.

A 32-year-old man has been arrested in relation to the murder investigation, and reports suggest another suspect, believed to be from Northern Ireland, may have fled to Thailand. George's brother, Darren, expressed the deep heartbreak felt by the family, stating that they would never fully recover from this tragedy.

John George's sister, Courtney, shared her devastation on social media, condemning the person responsible for her brother's death. The family lawyer confirmed that they were notified of the discovery by Spanish police on Tuesday.

The last contact George had with his family was a distressing phone call on December 14, shortly before he was reported missing four days later.

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