A desperate search is underway for a 21-year-old British tourist who vanished during a holiday in Benidorm. Ava Donnelly was last seen at the Beachcomber Bar in the Llevant area early Tuesday morning at around 6am, according to her family.
Family launches urgent appeal
Relatives have posted an urgent social media appeal, describing the dental assistant from Belfast as 4ft 11in tall with long blonde hair, veneers, and a Northern Irish accent. She was believed to be wearing a purple outfit when she went missing.
The missing person's appeal states: "If you are in the Benidorm area or have seen Ava, or have any information at all, no matter how small it may seem, please contact the local police or use the contact details provided in the official missing person appeal."
Family members share emotional pleas
Ava's aunt Donna wrote on Facebook: "Please share in Jesus name bring my wee niece home safe we all love you Ava if anyone knows anythin please get in touch with her mum." Another relative said: "My heart this is just not like her at all anyone that has any information of her whereabouts get in contact with [Ava's mum] and get our wee dolly home."
A third family member added: "This is Ava Donnelly, a-21 year-old girl from Belfast, who is currently missing in Benidorm, if anyone has any information whatsoever please let us, her family know. Please share this post far and wide and let's all work together and help bring Ava home."
Social media response
Dozens of accounts have shared the missing persons post across Benidorm holiday groups, receiving several thousand shares. Several people currently in Benidorm have promised to keep an eye out. One holidaymaker said: "We're here now, will keep eyes peeled." Another added: "I'm here I'm Benidorm. I am from Belfast I will look out for her."
Others shared well-wishes, with one person saying: "I hope this young lady is found safe & well very soon. Must be so distressing for the family & friends of Ava." Another user added: "Every parent's worst nightmare, hope she is found soon!"
False information refuted
Some comments online had suggested she was found safe, forcing relatives to correct false information. The family member who initially posted the appeal stated: "Ava has not been found, there are so many comments saying she has and this is false information. We as a family are distraught please help us locate Ava and bring her home safe."
