THE grieving family of a Bridgwater man who went missing in Benidorm five months ago have announced that he has been found dead.

Phil Pearce, aged 68, had last been seen in the Spanish resort on Monday, September 9.

His son Lee posted the sad news of his father's death on Facebook yesterday (Sunday).

Lee wrote: "To our saddest regrets we can confirm that our dad Phil Pearce as been found deceased in Benidorm.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank all for the support you have given to our family.

"Can I please ask it the family can be left to grieve for Phil (dad) in this very sad hard time."

The cause of Phil's death is unknown.

Phil had travelled to Benidorm with a friend when he disappeared.

He was spotted in a bar in a confused state and put in a taxi and taken to the police station.

Officers allowed him to leave despite Phil not knowing where he was staying.

Members of his family travelled to Benidorm in an attempt to find him, but the tragic news of his death was published on Facebook by his son yesterday.