MISSING Somerset man Matthew Lloyd has been discovered in the Netherlands, police have confirmed.

Matthew, who grew up in Puriton and worked at Brean leisure park, was reported missing 12 days ago when he missed an appointment for treatment in Oxford as part of a medical trial he was undergoing to find a cure for malaria.

His family, including mother Doreen Holland, gave a number of newspaper and television interviews pleading with him to make contact with the authorities.

The police spokesman said: “Hampshire Constabulary can confirm that missing Southampton nurse Matthew Lloyd has been found in the Netherlands after making contact with Dutch police yesterday evening.

“He has been admitted to hospital for a medical assessment and any relevant treatment he may require.

“We are currently awaiting updates from the Dutch medical profession and at this time we do not yet know whether he has contracted malaria.

“We are pleased that Matthew has been found and we will be working with his family to ensure his safe return back to the UK.

“The constabulary would like to thank local and national media for their extensive coverage of this case and their efforts in assisting us with our investigation to find Matthew.”