Brother of missing Leeds United fan says there have been 'very exciting possible sightings'

The brother of a Leeds United fan who went missing while travelling to the United States has said there have been “a couple of very exciting possible sightings”.

Michael “Little Mick” Hewitt was last heard from in the early hours of June 21 while travelling to Boston via Barcelona to watch one of England’s group-stage games.

The 65-year-old was flying to the United States via Barcelona, but it is not known whether he boarded his connecting flight there or remains in the Spanish city.

Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post on Tuesday, his brother Gary said trips centred around football were a big part of Mick's life, especially since retiring, and that he regularly followed both Leeds United and England abroad.

“It’s not unusual for us not to hear from him until he gets back,” Gary said. “We were just happily going about our normal lives, fully expecting a picture to pop up on Facebook from his seat, with his flag outside some bar, and then suddenly life just sort of fell apart with one text saying, ‘Have you heard owt from your brother?’”

In an update on Wednesday morning, Gary thanked the public and the football community for their support before providing the latest information.

"Firstly, on behalf of the Hewitt family, please could I thank each and every one of you who has replied to or shared our plea for help in locating Michael "Little Mick" Hewitt. The strength of the football community is absolutely mind-blowing!” Gary wrote.

"We have been overwhelmed by messages of support and offers of help. Thank you!

“So, a quick update. We still don't know where Mick is, and still have had no contact with him since he went offline in the early hours of Sunday 21 June. The whole process for reporting and attempting to trace a missing person has proved so very frustrating, and nothing seems to happen quickly, despite the urgency of the situation.

"For example, we still don't know for sure whether Mick travelled onwards from Barcelona to Boston, as planned. It seems highly unlikely, as there was not one reported sighting of Mick in or around the stadium on match day, but I find it hard to believe that confirmation via Border Security hasn't been possible yet. As soon as we know for sure, we will post a further update.

"We have received a couple of very exciting possible sightings of Mick, and both have been reported to the authorities for further investigation. We are keeping everything crossed that one of these potential sightings provides the key to unlock this baffling situation and bring to an end the nightmare we are going through. Rest assured, we will keep you updated as soon as we have any news.

"Many thanks again for all your help, love and support."

The family is asking anyone who may have seen or been in contact with Michael since June 21 to contact the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).