John George: Homecoming for family of Belfast man found dead in Spain

Billy George, whose son John had been on holiday in Alicante when he went missing last month, said he would have stayed if John's body had not been found.

The 37-year-old father of two from west Belfast was last in touch with his family on December 14 .

He was reported missing four days later after he failed to board his flight home to Northern Ireland .

His parents Billy and Sharon, brother Darren, and sisters Courtney and Caitlin, along with up to 50 friends and wider family from Northern Ireland, were involved in the search operation.

A body was found earlier this week which Spanish police believe is that of John George.

His family arrived in Belfast International Airport on Friday afternoon to be greeted by crowds of supporters who clapped and came forward to embrace them.

Mr George told those gathered they are determined to bring his son home to claps and cheers, as well as chants of "justice for John".

He told the PA news agency they were overwhelmed by the support, adding "I don't know how we can ever repay all these people".

"Many have been with me from day dot to find John, three and a half weeks, nearly into the fourth week," he said.

"I wouldn't have come home today if I had not got John."

Mr George said they are now focused on getting his son's body home and giving him a Christian burial.

Meanwhile, a man who was arrested by police investigating the death of Mr George, has been released on bail in Spain .

The man, who has not been named, appeared in court in Torrevieja on Friday.

A spokesperson for the Valencian Community's High Court of Justice said the man had been released with "precautionary measures" in relation to the "homicide of a northern Irish citizen whose body was discovered in Rojales on Tuesday".

The spokesperson said the man has had his passport withdrawn and must appear at the court every 15 days.

The spokesperson said the court would now proceed with establishing the full facts of the case.