The body of missing Dutch resident Jeroen Mertens has been discovered on land next to his home in Alhaurin el Grande.

The 48-year-old had been missing for several days after leaving his property on foot without his car or passport.

His remains were found on Wednesday, according to sources close to his family.

It has been reported that Mertens was ‘going through a difficult time’, although no further details have been disclosed.

Relatives and friends had spent days searching for Mertens with the assistance of the security forces.

Appeals containing his photograph and physical description were circulated online in the hope that someone had seen him.

Concern increased when no transactions were recorded on his bank account and his mobile telephone remained switched off.

His partner reportedly believed he had not left Alhaurin el Grande, although no confirmed sightings emerged during the search.

Mertens was self-employed and had worked in construction and property renovations since 2015.

Friends described him as well known among both the Dutch community in Malaga province and residents of Alhaurin el Grande.

They also spoke of his love of surfing and the effort he had made to learn Spanish after settling in the area.

The investigation into his death continues.