The devastated sister of for nearly a is “heartbroken” as police abroad confirmed - and a murder probe was launched.

John George, also known as John Hardy, was on December 18 when he missed his flight home to spend the festive season with his two sons, 13 and six. His family launched a huge search to find the 37-year-old, as they travelled to the region to try to find him and were joined by friends and police from Northern Ireland.

Tragically, the family’s lawyer has confirmed a body was found on Tuesday. John’s sister Courtney said in a brief update: “My body is numb and my heart is broken. I don't mean to be rude. I will get back to everyone soon. Right now I'm processing what's going on.”

The family's lawyer KRW Law said: “We can confirm the father of Mr George contacted us today shortly after 5pm [Jan 7] to confirm Spanish police told him they had recovered his son's remains. Mr Billy George was told 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. The family want to thank all who have helped and supported them over the last number of days. 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."

READ MORE:

The said they have been made aware a body recovered in Spain is believed to be John's. Detective Inspector Jennifer Rea said: "My thoughts are, first and foremost, with Mr George's family at this distressing time.

“Our dedicated Family Liaison Officers continue to provide support to the family, and we continue to work closely with international law enforcement agencies. I am keen to reiterate our appeal for anyone with information that could assist the Spanish Investigation Team with their enquiries to please contact us on 101."

Courtney, from Belfast, Northern Ireland, earlier said: "My brother would never go two days without speaking to me. I haven't eaten in five days and have been physically sick because it's been nine days without contact. He was meant to be coming to my house for and we had our plans made. John is missing from Alicante to Benidorm so we need a search party out there to look for him."

John's brother Darren George is reported to have described him as a 'happy-go-lucky guy' who 'had his troubles with drug addiction that took over his life'. A GoFundMe launched by Courtney to aid the search raised more than £26,000.