Hunt for Spanish artist missing from his Islington home

POLICE are reopening an investigation into the disappearance of a Spanish artist in the hope that they might be able to reunite him with his family for Christmas.

Francisco Javier Fernandez Calleja, 46, lived in Gerrard Road, Islington, until his parents and brother lost contact with him without warning in March 2009.

Until then they had spoken regularly on the phone, but after a conversation with his brother Roberto that month the phone went dead and they have not seen or heard from him since.

Francisco, who is also known by the Basque translation of his name Paxti F, was an artist who knew many people all over London.

He had been living in the UK for over 11 years, and in Islington since 2008 with his Alsatian dog.

Detective Constable Mark Cockeram, who is leading the hunt for Francisco, said: “As we approach Christmas, this is a particularly difficult time for Francisco’s family, who were devastated when they suddenly lost all contact with him early last year. We would like to speak to anyone who might know where Francisco is, or has any information about his disappearance.”

He is white, of medium build and 5ft 8ins tall with dark coloured hair and distinctive crooked front teeth.

Anyone with information should contact Islington Police’s Missing Persons Unit on 0207 421 0391.