Two people are expected to appear in court in Portugal later in connection with the murder of Belfast man John George.
An application will be made to extradite the pair to Spain for questioning on Mr George’s killing.
It is understood both individuals are from Northern Ireland.
Mr George, from west Belfast, was missing for 21 days in Alicante in December before his body was discovered in early January.
The 37-year-old had been shot and stabbed and his body dumped in a rural location.
Today, lawyers for Mr George’s relatives said his family obtained “significant information pointing to the possible location of two suspects in the Portuguese town of Braga”.
According to lawyers for the George family, detectives contacted Spanish counterparts who identified a new investigative lead.
Portuguese police have now told the family that two people are due to appear in court today to face an application for their extradition to Spain.
If granted they will face immediate questioning on the circumstances surrounding the murder of John George.”
Solicitor Kevin Winters said: “This is the biggest news to date for the George family.
“It’s precisely the sort of breakthrough they’ve been hoping for since December last year.
“I commend their absolute tenacity in pursuing every line of enquiry and then in turn making sure the various European authorities act on what they’ve painstakingly put together.
“Their input has been crucial to inform decision-making.”
Mr Winters said the George family are looking forward to seeing the next stages of the legal procedures get underway.
“The sooner that happens then the sooner his family will feel they are at last getting some justice for John,” he added.”
Mr George had been on holiday in Alicante when he was reported missing. He last spoke to his family on December 14.
They were later informed by people in Spain that he had lost his phone but was booked onto a flight from Alicante to Belfast on December 18.
When he failed to board the flight his loved ones became concerned.
by fyurig
3 comments
It’s a real loss to society that these rogue elements took away Saint John George of Twinbrook and all his wonderful work in the community. That man was doing nothing to deserve that, just off enjoying a relaxing break in the sun to recharge and come back to start a new charitable venture in West Belfast. (sarcasm btw)
Couldn’t give a single fuck about thon upstanding member of the community.
Are wee angle 👼🏻
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