Concerns are mounting for a British expatriate who vanished without trace from his home in the upmarket Costa del Sol resort of Marbella one week ago. Toby John Joseph Johns, 44, originally from South Wales, was last seen on Tuesday, September 10th, sparking an intensive search operation by Spanish authorities.
Disappearance Sparks Major Search Operation
The alarm was raised when Mr Johns failed to make contact with family and friends, behaviour described as completely out of character for the British national. His family has flown to Spain to assist local police with their investigation, distributing flyers and appealing for information throughout the popular tourist destination.
Local police confirmed they are treating the disappearance as a high-priority case, with multiple units dedicated to tracing Mr Johns's movements in the days leading up to his vanishing. The Guardia Civil has been conducting door-to-door enquiries and reviewing extensive CCTV footage from the area.
Family's Emotional Appeal for Information
In an emotional statement released through missing persons charities, the family described Toby as a "kind-hearted and reliable man" whose sudden disappearance has caused immense distress. They have urged anyone who might have seen him or has information about his whereabouts to come forward immediately.
"We are desperately worried about Toby and just want to know he is safe and well," the statement read. "If anyone has any information, no matter how small it might seem, please contact the authorities. We need him home."
Expat Community Rallies Support
The British expat community in Marbella has mobilised to support the search efforts, with many sharing appeals on social media and assisting with physical searches in the surrounding areas. Local businesses have displayed missing person posters, and community leaders have organised search parties to cover nearby parks and coastal paths.
The Foreign Office has confirmed they are providing consular assistance to the family and are in close contact with Spanish authorities investigating the case. A spokesperson stated: "We are supporting the family of a British man who has been reported missing in Spain and are in contact with the local authorities."
As the search enters its second week, authorities are appealing for witnesses who might have seen Mr Johns in the days before his disappearance. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Guardia Civil emergency number or the British Consulate in Málaga immediately.
