Mum criticises police response to son going missing on Spanish island after he was robbed
'If he's reading anything, we just want him to know that no one's mad with him.'
The mother of a British law student who’s vanished in Majorca has said she is ‘at a loss’ after police closed a report over her missing son.
Felix Robinson, from Wigan, reported Ben Ross, 26, as missing to Greater Manchester Police after losing contact with him last week.
His last message to her was an ‘erratic’ email he sent just days after his phone and wallet were stolen from him during a swim at a beach on the Spanish island.
Ben moved over to Palma last month for a job during a break from his studies.
No one has seen him since July 10, and although Spanish police have checked hospital and arrest records with no luck, they can’t open a missing person investigation until British police instruct them to do so.
In order to report a person missing abroad, Felix’s local police force – Greater Manchester Police – must inform Spanish police through Interpol.
Felix told Metro.co.uk: ‘I’m at a loss right now. I’ve had a few days struggling with the police trying to open a missing persons file, and they keep closing it.’
Despite alerting police of her concerns for Ben’s mental health, she claims the force closed both files opened since she first reported him missing on July 13.
Felix says police have subsequently re-opened the case after she complained.
She fears precious time has been lost as she fears for the wellbeing of her missing son, who has a history of mental illness.
Her friend Carla, who was present when she spoke to police, told Metro.co.uk that GMP ‘didn’t seem to think that there was anything to worry about – it’s just a 26-year-old abroad and he just obviously wants to go and have good time and doesn’t want to be talking to his mum – which is just such a nonsense standpoint.’
Metro has raised these concerns with Greater Manchester Police, who are yet to provide a comment.
Appealing to her missing son, Felix said: ‘If he’s reading anything, we just want him to know that no one’s mad with him.
‘Even if he doesn’t want to come home, just let somebody know he’s okay so we can actually breathe and have a minute because right now we’re at breaking point, literally, just not knowing anything.’
Felix is awaiting receipt of an emergency passport to allow her to fly out to Majorca and search for Ben.
Her friend Carla has launched a GoFundMe, which has received more than £1,500 donations, to fund the journey along with food and accommodation costs.
On the page, they’ve shared a detailed account of the events leading up to Ben’s disappearance, which Carla says they’ve done after seeing how Jay Slater’s family and friends were treated.
She said: ‘We’re trying to make sure that the internet sleuths don’t go mad like they did with Jay Slater… like the comments online are already going.
‘I told Felix not to look, she’s had to tell her kids to stop looking.’
Ben moved to Majorca in June, finding work at an energy company in the city of Palma while taking a break before pursuing a career as a barrister.
He was ‘seemingly doing well’ until his phone, iPad, wallet and keys were stolen while he went for a swim in the Mediterranean Sea on July 6.
After reporting the theft to police, Ben got lost trying to find his way home.
When he eventually did make it back, he had to break into the apartment because his flatmates refused to allow entry to what they thought was a stranger.
A argument ensued, leading to police being called, according to the GoFundMe page.
Police decided not to take any further action as Ben offered to pay for the damage, the page adds.
But struggling to solve his money woes stemming from the theft, Ben’s mental health spiralled.
The last Felix heard from her son was an email ‘which confirmed his mental state was not in a good place, before he cut off communications with her completely’.
Now his mother is urging anyone who has seen him or knows where he is to contact local police or the British Consulate.
Felix said: ‘Like any mother, no matter what age your children are, they are still your children.
‘I just need to know my son is safe and well. The last few days have been torture.
‘Please, if anyone has seen Ben, even if it’s just for a second, let the authorities know. We need to find him.’
A Foreign Office spokesperson said: ‘We are supporting the family of a British man reported missing in Spain and are in contact with the local authorities.’
Greater Manchester Police has been contacted for comment.
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