Family of man missing in Benidorm 'worried sick'

The sister of a Belfast man who has been missing in Spain for five days has said his family are "worried sick".

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

His sister, Courtney George, told BBC News NI that they "need him home ASAP".

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is in contact with the family.

Ms George said she wanted her brother to "just to find someone and contact home".

"We are distracted, he never has [gone] this long without contacting anyone ever," she added.

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

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

"If he had lost his phone, I am sure he could ask a randomer for help through Facebook or something," Ms George said.

She added that a woman who sings in bars in Benidorm has claimed to have seen him on Tuesday.

In a statement, the PSNI said they had "received a report regarding a man who is currently holidaying in Spain and who has not been in touch with family in recent days".

"Officers are liaising with the family," the statement added.

A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson added: "We are supporting the family of a British man reported missing in Spain and are in contact with the local authorities."

BBC News NI has contacted police in Spain for comment.