Missing Arthur Jones: Body found in Crete search for missing Denbigh pensioner

Keen hiker has been missing in Crete since June

Arthur Jones, 73, who went missing in Crete on 19 June

A body has been found in the search for former British Army Cadet trainer and Denbigh pensioner Arthur Jones who has been missing in Crete since June.

The family of Mr Jones, 73, have been informed of the discovery, North Wales Police said.

Mr Jones, who has not been seen since June 19th, disappeared two days after he arrived on the Greek island for a holiday.

A keen and experienced walker, his family believed he may have gone hiking on his own.

Family members have since flown to the island to help search for the missing grandfather and were later joined by police.

A social media campaign to raise awareness and help #FindArthur drew international attention.

Celebrities including the comedian Alan Carr and actress Morgan Fairchild have got behind the campaign to find Mr Jones via social media, and Chris Ruane, the North Wales MP for the Vale of Clwyd, has raised the issue with David Cameron.

Mr Ruane asked for the Prime Minister's help in the House of Commons: “Arthur Jones, a 73-year-old Army veteran from Denbigh in my constituency went hillwalking in Crete. He hasn’t been seen since June 19.

“His family are frantic with worry. Will the prime minister ensure that the [foreign office] continue their excellent work and cooperate with the Greek Government to make sure that Arthur is found?”

Mr Cameron replied: “I will certainly do everything I can to help [Mr Ruane] with his constituent and have discussions with the Foreign office about all the consular assistance that is being given and anything else that they can do.”

The retired scaffolder is a father of four and a grandfather of six, and members of the family had been staying in Crete to help drive the search, centred around the Chania resort where Mr Jones was staying.

Missing person coordinator Mark Owen, from North Wales Police, said: "Following contact with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office this morning we understand the body of a man has been recovered by Greek authorities from a rural location in the Chania area of northern Crete.

"A formal identification process will take place but I can confirm the family of Denbighshire man Arthur Jones who has been missing in Crete, have been informed of developments and are assisting local police.

"Until a formal identification is made it would be inappropriate to comment further."