Desperate hunt launched for Brit who vanished in Spain on day due to travel home

Desperate hunt launched for Brit who vanished in Spain on day due to travel homePaul Daniel Strange, 70, vanished on Thursday the same day he was due to start the long drive back to the UK in his van after staying at a friend's apartment in Almeria, SpainCommentsNewsGerard Couzens News Correspondent and Tim Hanlon News Reporter16:22, 12 Apr 2026Updated 16:34, 12 Apr 2026View 2 ImagesPaul Strange's family are appealing for help to find him(Image: SOLARPIX.COM)A family are appealing for a missing man who disappeared after being due to travel back to the UK from Spain.‌Paul Daniel Strange, 70, vanished on Thursday the same day he was due to start the long drive back in his van from the fishing and tourist town of Palomares in Almeria to Essex where he lives.‌The retired builder and locksmith, from Leigh-on-Sea, had been staying at a friend’s apartment.‌And today his worried loved ones revealed police had begun a search for the pensioner as the mystery of his whereabouts deepened and they said a neighbour had seen him leaving the property.View 2 ImagesMr Strange disappeared as he was due to drive back to the UK(Image: SOLARPIX.COM)READ MORE: Donald Trump announces US blockade of Strait of Hormuz in shocking outburstREAD MORE: Jet2 'arrive early' alert for anyone travelling to popular European destinationBut a friend who then let himself into the apartment after Paul went missing found belongings of his including a computer and clothes inside.‌Father-of-three Mr Strange’s son, also called Paul, said: “We’re obviously extremely worried and have already contacted police in Essex who have been in touch with Interpol and as we understand it, spoken to Spanish police so they can begin searching for him.“We just want him to get in touch with us if he sees this message. His phone was switched off on Thursday and the following day a message came up saying it was unavailable. It’s extremely unlike Dad not to stay in touch.“We just want him to get in touch with...