Murder arrests following father and son’s disappearance in Spain

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a father and son disappeared in Spain.

Danny and Liam Poole went missing after a trip to Malaga in 2019 and in 2022 the investigation into their disappearance was converted into a murder investigation.

A man in his 30s from West Sussex and another man in his 40s from the Merseyside area have now both been arrested on suspicion of the alleged murders.

They were questioned and released under investigation pending further investigation.

Danny and Liam, from Burgess Hill, hired a car when they arrived in Spain on March 31, 2019, a gray Peugeot 308 with registration number 0254 KTM. However, the vehicle was never returned to the car rental company and was later found abandoned by Spanish police.

The couple’s luggage was left at their hotel along with their passports, suggesting it was not a planned disappearance.

Spanish police took lead in the investigation and Surrey and Sussex Police’s major crime team worked closely with them to find 46-year-old Danny and 22-year-old Liam.

The circumstances of her disappearance continued to be closely examined and in 2022, Sussex Police made the decision to treat her disappearance as a murder investigation.

Legal action has now been taken to allow Surrey and Sussex Police’s major crime team to lead the investigation, taking over from Spanish police.

Danny and Liam’s families have been kept updated and responded to police calls for anyone with information to come forward.

Detectives are continuing to appeal for witnesses to the case and police are offering a £10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the person responsible for Danny and Liam’s disappearance.

Simon Dunn, Detective Chief Inspector, said: “Although Danny and Liam disappeared in Spain, we believe there are people in the UK who may have important information about their disappearance.

“We understand that there are some who have not felt able to speak out, but it is not too late to do the right thing.

“Whether it’s something you know or something you heard later, we urge you to get in touch and share it with us.

“We will listen and explore all possible new lines of inquiry.

“You may not realize how important the information you have is, but it could be the piece of the puzzle we need to build a picture of what happened to Danny and Liam.”

“Even the smallest detail could help us give their families the answers they so desperately need and deserve.

“Information can be shared directly with police via the public online serious incident portal. You can also call 101 quoting Operation Pheasant or report anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”