The family of missing Belfast man John George have thanked the public for their help in the search after a body was found in Spain this afternoon.
Formal identification is yet to take place but it is believed that the body is that of the father of two from West Belfast.
John George had travelled to the Alicante region of Spain and was last in contact with his family on 14th December.
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Mr George was subsequently reported missing after he didn't turn up for his flight home to Northern Ireland on 18th December.
A statement issued by the family's solicitor Kevin Winters said: "We can confirm the father of Mr George contacted us today shortly after 500 pm to confirm Spanish police told him they had recovered his sons remains.
"Mr Billy George was told that his sons 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 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."
A separate statement which was posted on social media thanked the public for their help.
"The family of John George/ Hardy got a call late this afternoon to say a body had been found and they are sure it's John," they said.
"Until DNA tests are done, nothing is fully confirmed. Johns parents and siblings want to thank everyone for all their help in this heartbreaking time.
"Everyone's love for John has brought both sides of the community together. Please just be patient as we're trying to come to terms with all this. When we get confirmation its John, we'll let you all know. Thank you and God bless."
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