Sussex Police are appealing for information in the suspected murder case of Daniel and Liam Poole, who vanished in Malaga, Spain, in 2019 under mysterious circumstances.
Timeline of the Disappearance
Daniel Poole, 46, and his son Liam Poole, 22, from Burgess Hill, West Sussex, travelled to Malaga, southern Spain, on 31 March 2019. They hired a grey Peugeot 308 with the registration plate 0254 KTM, but the car was later found abandoned. What raised alarms was that their luggage and passports remained untouched in their hotel room, suggesting they did not intend to leave Spain voluntarily.
The pair reportedly told family members they were visiting friends for a holiday. However, their sudden disappearance and the lack of communication have left investigators and family members deeply concerned.
Murder Investigation Launched
In 2022, Sussex Police elevated the case to a murder investigation based on emerging evidence. Detective Chief Inspector Simon Dunn, leading the inquiry, stated, “The circumstances surrounding their disappearance strongly suggest foul play.” The untouched hotel room and abandoned car indicated an abrupt and possibly violent incident. Spanish authorities have cooperated with UK police, but progress remains slow.
Theories Behind the Disappearance
Multiple theories have surfaced regarding the fate of Daniel and Liam Poole. A significant lead involves a possible drug deal gone wrong. Liam’s grandmother, Kathy Catney, mentioned the pair may have travelled to Spain for illicit business dealings. She revealed to reporters that the family received a ransom demand of £100,000, but despite raising the money, they heard nothing further.
Another theory is that the father and son may have become victims of organised crime. Malaga, a hotspot for international drug trafficking, has seen similar cases where tourists or expatriates have been caught up in dangerous underworld activities. The abandoned car and the barman’s comment that they were “wrong’uns” lend weight to this possibility.
However, DCI Dunn has urged caution against speculation, stating that investigators are working under the assumption that the Pooles were visiting friends and hopes to reconstruct their final movements to uncover the truth.
Family’s Desperate Plea for Closure
The Poole family remains tormented by the unanswered questions. Danny’s daughter, Lauryn, expressed her heartbreak: “Every day, I think about what happened to my dad and brother. These thoughts keep me awake at night.” She also reflected on the milestones they have missed, such as Danny becoming a grandad and Liam being an uncle.
Liam’s grandmother, Kathy, continues to appeal for help. “We need to know what happened. We as a family are constantly reminded of Liam and Danny’s absence. Please, if anyone knows anything, come forward,” she said.
The tragedy is compounded by the death of Liam’s mother, Lisa, who passed away without learning the fate of her son and ex-husband.
