Police have released a statement about a Wigan man missing in Majorca, and donations have poured into a GoFundMe page set up by friends.
Benjamin Ross has not been heard from since July 10. The budding lawyer from Golborne, Wigan, had travelled to the Spanish island in June to visit a friend before extending his stay and finding temporary accommodation.
The 26-year-old disappeared on July 10 in Palma, the capital of the popular tourist destination, after cutting off all contact with his mother. He has since been reported missing.
READ MORE ‘Please let us know you are safe’: Mother makes direct appeal to son, 26, after ‘unusual’ disappearance in Majorca
His devastated mother Felix, who now plans to fly to the Spanish island to begin searching for her son, described the past week as “torture” and said she was “crazy with worry”.
Felix first reported Ben missing to Greater Manchester Police on July 13. Police are now helping the family submit a report to Interpol, so that the Foreign Office can begin investigating in conjunction with Spanish police.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police told the Manchester Evening News:”On Saturday 13th July 2024 we received a report that a 26 year old man from Wigan had travelled to Spain and had severed all contact with friends and family.
“We informed them that they should contact the British consulate who could help them in searching for their loved one abroad.
“Yesterday (Wednesday 17 July 2024) we assisted the family in submitting a report to Interpol to enable the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to act on their behalf in Spain.”
Talk to the MEN, Ben’s mother, Felix, said his disappearance was “unusual” and made a direct appeal to him: “Please just let us know that you’re okay.”
A GoFundMe page has since been set up by friends to help the family with travel costs, as mum Felix plans to fly to Majorca in the coming days. More than £1,700 has been raised so far.
The fundraiser says the money will go towards flights, accommodation and food – with the remaining funds going to charity Andy’s Man Club
Felix added: “Like any mother, no matter how old your children are, they are still your children. I just need to know that my son is safe and sound.
“These last few days have been torture. Please, if anyone has seen Ben, even if it’s just for a second, notify the authorities. We need to find him.”
A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said: “We are supporting the family of a British man missing in Spain and are in contact with local authorities.”
