Man arrested over John George murder released on bail

A man arrested on suspicion of the murder of Belfast man John George has been released on bail.

The 32-year-old man from the Czech Republic appeared at a court in Torrevieja in Spain, before an investigating judge, in a behind-closed-doors hearing on Friday morning.

As part of the man's bail conditions, he had to surrender his passport. He isn't allowed to leave the jurisdiction and must report daily to police.

The court also heard that police believe at least one other person was involved in the crime, although no new arrests have been made.

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".

The spokesperson said the man must appear at the court every 15 days.

John George's body was found by Spanish police in Rojales, a rural town, 45 minutes south of Alicante in Spain.

The family of John George arrived back in Belfast International Airport earlier on Friday.

They were greeted by a large group of family and friends at the airport.

Speaking to BBC News NI, John's father Billy said it was very difficult to leave Spain without his son.

"My son's miles away in a cold morgue on a slab," he said.

"We want John buried in Belfast where he should be."

"It's very hard to know I'm back in Belfast and Johns body is so far away," he said.

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 the family 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.

"I pray that I get justice for my son," he added.