Two Birmingham police officers have been praised after discovering a missing man while on holiday in Barcelona, Spain. PC Lamb and PC Somers were in a Barcelona bar last month when they struck up a conversation with a man known as “Little Mick”. At the time, they had no idea that an international search was underway to find him after his family reported him missing from Leeds.
Chance Encounter in Barcelona Bar
The officers were enjoying their holiday when they met the man in a bar. It was only later, after seeing social media posts about the search, that they realised who they had been talking to. They acted quickly, informing local authorities and liaising with police in Barcelona, sharing the information they had in the hope that Mick could be reunited with his family.
It transpired that Mick was unaware of the search for him. He had lost his phone and therefore had not seen any of the online coverage about his disappearance.
Officers Praised for Going Above and Beyond
Now back from holiday, and with their actions mentioned in national news coverage, the two officers have been commended for their quick thinking. Birmingham Police Chief Inspector Sean Corrigan praised the officers, saying: “The officers’ actions demonstrate our values as a police force, as even on holiday they acted quickly to help a potentially vulnerable man in need.”
He added: “By quickly recognising who they’d been speaking to, and immediately informing Spanish authorities, they helped end an international search. While the man involved may have just been enjoying a holiday himself, we commend our officers for interrupting theirs and going above and beyond.”
International Search Concluded
The discovery brought an end to an international search that had been launched after Little Mick’s family reported him missing from Leeds. The officers’ actions ensured that Spanish authorities were able to make contact with him and, presumably, put him back in touch with his family.
The case highlights how police officers can make a difference even when off duty, and the Birmingham force has publicly recognised their efforts. The two officers have been praised for their professionalism and dedication, which helped resolve a worrying situation for the man's family.
