AN international search was under way today for a Blackburn man who has gone missing in Spain.

Stuart Dalziel, 41, has not been seen since Friday, January 27, when he failed to get his flight home from Malaga.

Police said they had no evidence he had come to any harm but were becoming more concerned about him by the day.

Today his mother and son told of their frantic worry at his disappearance and said it was out of character for him not to be in touch.

Mr Dalziel flew from Blackpool Airport with his son Mark and two friends for a day trip to Spain.

They all returned home but Mr Dalziel missed the return flight and told them he intended to travel home later that day.

Blackburn CID have been liaising with colleagues in Spain and believe Mr Dalziel may have spent as many as two days at Malaga airport without getting a flight.

They have information to suggest he eventually left the airport with a British couple, but that is where the trail runs out.

His mother Moira Dalziel, 65, who lives in Glasgow, said: "This is so out of character for Stuart and we are so worried about him.

"If he is stranded he could phone and we would send him the money to let home.

"We really need to hear from him. We are frantic because there is no news."

Appealing directly to her son, she added: "If you see this Stuart would you please, please, get in touch with us. Just phone and let us know you are alright."

Mr Dalziel's son, Mark, 24 of Blackburn, said he had expected his father to return on the next available flight after leaving him in Spain.

He added: "I am concerned. It is not in his character to do this and he would have contacted someone by now.

"It is very unlike him to stay in a strange country on his own for this length of time. He has no money and no change of clothes.

"His family are very worried and if anyone knows his whereabouts or has seen him, then please contact the police."

Stuart has visited Torremolinos, near Malaga, on a number of occasions and knows the area well.

However, police said it was not known if he had befriended anyone or found casual work.

Detective Inspector Mark Rothwell added: "It is now nearly a fortnight since Mr Dalziel was seen at Malaga Airport and he has not made contact with any family or friends since then.

"There is no evidence to suggest that Stuart has come to any harm but they are naturally becoming more concerned about him as time passes and just want to know he is alright."