Relatives of a Northern Ireland man who is believed to have been living in Tenerife for almost 20 years have asked the media for help to locate him to let him know he has inherited a massive fortune.

Efforts to track down Patrick McLaughlin, aged 46 and originally from Dublin, since the death of an unnamed millionaire benefactor in July have failed and the family is worried that if he is not located the money could end up going to the taxman.

It is thought that he moved to Spain in the late 1980s and then on to the Canaries but initial enquiries have so far been unsuccessful. Tax specialists say that the unclaimed inheritance could be lost unless Mr McLaughlin comes forward by 6 December. Unconfirmed reports from England say the benefactor, Roberta Agnew, lived in Bradford.

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31.10.2007 – The N. Ireland man living in Tenerife has come forward to claim his inheritance.

Patrick McLaughlin, aged 46, is in line for an unexpected windfall after a woman he knew in the 1980s left her entire estate to him. The Bradford millionairess died heirless and included him in her will without his knowledge.

The executors of the will had until 6 December to track him down or the money would have gone to the taxman.