'I won't be leaving without Joop': Girlfriend of Galashiels man missing in Prague reveals family may recruit private investigator amid 'lack of urgency' from Czech police

The girlfriend of a Galashiels man reported missing in Prague reveals the family have discussed plans to employ a private investigator amid concerns over what's being described as a "lack of urgency" from the authorities there.

It’s been almost a week since local roofer Joop Sparkes disappeared following a boat trip in the Czech capital, during a weekend break.

It's feared he may have gone overboard into the Vltava River, near the Charles Bridge area of the city, around 1am on the 28th of April.

His girlfriend Charley Maben and older sister Jodie Wilson are among those who’ve flown out to Prague to search for him.

And more than £10,000 has been raised in an online fundraiser to support them. A collection bucket has also been set-up at their local Spar in Langlee.

Posting on social media, Charley Maben said: "We still have no more information unfortunately. We are all heartbroken but we need to keep thinking positive.

"As a family, we have discussed that we would like to use the money from the gofundme for a private investigator so we can find our boy and bring him home!

"I won’t be leaving without him."

Joop's family revealed they've been walking 13 miles a day, scouring the riverbanks and around the marina in the hope of finding him.

His sister Jodie said: "We are getting very frustrated with the local police and their lack of urgency so have looked into getting a private investigator.

"There is no support for us over here and no guidance so we are just doing our own searches.

"We are all emotionally and physically drained after walking in the region of 13 miles a day."

But she added: "We will continue to search for him for as long as it takes and are so thankful for everyone’s support and kind words."

READ MORE: Mum of Galashiels holidaymaker missing in Prague makes emotional appeal as search continues to find him

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