Body of Missing Bexhill Man Joel Eldridge Found in Portugal
Tragic news as Portuguese police discover the body of Joel Eldridge, a 29-year-old from Bexhill who vanished in Portugal five years ago.
Joel Disappeared After Moving to Portugal
Joel moved to Portugal in January 2018, planning to work on a house near Coimbra. He lived in Macieira near Serta and was last heard from mid-July 2018. The final contact was an enquiry about work back in the UK on 26 July 2018. His disappearance was reported to Sussex Police in late August that year.
Police Investigation Follows Murder Inquiry
Since the disappearance, Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Teams have worked closely with Portugal’s Judicial Police. Several visits to Portugal have been made, supported by the National Crime Agency’s international liaison officers. The case has been treated as a murder investigation by Portuguese homicide detectives.
“Our enquiries gave us cause to believe Joel came to harm at the hands of others while in Portugal,” said Detective Chief Inspector Chris Friday. “Further tests are needed to confirm the identity of the body, but we suspect it is Joel and have informed his family.”
Appeal for Information Remains Open
The Portuguese Judicial Police, with Sussex Police backing, continue investigating. They urge anyone in the UK or Portugal who heard from Joel after July 2018 or who knows anything about his disappearance to come forward. Contact details include calling 101 and quoting Operation Lyra or reaching out online.
The heartfelt thoughts of police and community go to Joel’s family during this heartbreaking time.
