Michael 'Little Mick' Hewitt, a 65-year-old man reported missing after failing to board a flight from Barcelona to Boston for the FIFA World Cup in June, was found safe and well in a Spanish bar. He had lost his phone and had no way of contacting anybody, which led his worried family to report him missing.
Two Birmingham police officers, PC Lamb and PC Somers, were on holiday in Barcelona when they entered a bar wearing Leeds United shirts. They sparked up a conversation with Michael, who had no idea that he had been reported missing. The officers quickly realised they were talking to the man who was the subject of an international search.
Officers Alert Authorities and Family
The PCs alerted local and UK police, and the message was given to Michael's family that he was safe and well. His brother, Gary Hewitt, shared the news on social media, expressing relief and gratitude.
Gary Hewitt posted: "Fantastic news! Little Mick is safe and well in Barcelona, and was blissfully unaware that the world was searching for him! As a family, we desperately wanted an embarrassingly simple but happy ending to this horrendous episode, and we now have that. A million thanks to each and every person who has helped to bring Mick home safely, and for all the good wishes. It's amazing what can be achieved when the good people of the world go Marching On Together."
Police Commendation for Off-Duty Officers
Birmingham Police Chief Inspector Sean Corrigan praised the officers for their actions. He said: "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. 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."
The incident highlights how a chance encounter can resolve a worrying situation. Michael's family had been desperate for a simple and happy ending to what they described as a 'horrendous episode', and they now have that. The search for Michael, which had spanned international borders, was concluded thanks to the quick thinking of the two off-duty officers who recognised him in the bar. The family has expressed their thanks to everyone who helped bring Mick home safely, and the case serves as a reminder of the importance of community and vigilance during major international events.
