Benidorm death: Somerset man's body flown home

Phil Pearce, 68, died while visiting Benidorm last year

The body of a man who went missing in Benidorm last year has finally been flown home.

Phil Pearce, 68, from Bridgwater in Somerset, vanished while visiting the Spanish resort in September. He was suffering from dementia before he died.

His body was found in November in open countryside near a cemetery. Police said the cause of death was unknown.

Mr Pearce's family said they were relieved the "nightmare" was over, and they could now plan his funeral.

His body was found in November but police did not tell his two sons until February because of difficulties identifying him.

Lee Pearce said his father's body had not been sent home sooner because a femur bone was sent away for testing, and was only recently returned.

He said the coronavirus pandemic had also contributed to the delay.

"We're so relieved. He's now back home with his loved ones in his home town," he said.

• Missing holidaymaker's body found in Benidorm

• Family of missing Benidorm man plan legal action

• 'Confused' holidaymaker, 68, missing in Benidorm

Mr Pearce said the bone "turned up" on 20 April, which meant the family could go ahead with repatriating the body.

He said the family told the Spanish authorities they "did not want 75% of our dad back".

Mr Pearce said he was still unsure what his father had died of, and said he had been "fit and healthy".

"Yes, he had mild memory loss, but that doesn't cause you to die," he said.