POLICE are no closer to solving the riddle of a Southend man whose death in Spain was allegedly faked.

Widow Loocia Aldridge told the Echo her son Fredrico, 41, fled to Spain in May this year because he owed money to loan sharks.

She said she spoke to Frederico on the phone on July 6 and he died later that day in hospital.

But family and friends claim they knew nothing of his death.

Officers have hit a dead end after questioning Mrs Aldridge, 71, of Mendip Crescent, Eastwood, for more details about where her son died and who he was with.

She said she did not know, but claimed she heard him take his last breath over the phone.

When asked how her brothers could recover the body if they didn't know where he was, she replied "I don't know".

Sgt Tracey Butt, said: "When it was put to her that he could actually be alive, she said Oh, he could be. No one official has told me he is dead'.

"We have been unable to follow up any other enquiries as we do not have any further information."

The police say they have been told Fredrico could have faked his death to escape his debts.

Linda O'Neil, 49, lived with Fredrico for eight years until he walked out on May 18 and never returned.

She says she was left with a mountain of debt racked up by Fredrico and faces having her house repossessed.

Rosalie Mansell, 57, from Canvey, whose late father Frederick is also Fredrico's dad, said she was 100 per cent sure her half-brother is alive.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Fredrico can call the neighbourhood policing team at Eastwood on 01702 430509.