Mother Seeks UK Police Leadership in Search for Missing Son

The mother of a British rugby player, Levi Davis, who vanished in Barcelona two years ago, has expressed the difficulty of the situation, stating, “it’s very hard knowing he could be out there.” Davis was last observed in the Spanish city in October 2022 and remains unfound despite ongoing appeals and search efforts. Julie, Davis’s mother, has described the slow pace of the investigation as “frustrating” and desires greater involvement from UK police. However, UK police authorities have stated that the inquiry is being managed by Spanish officers, and they will provide assistance “if there are any further developments.” Julie maintains, “Until a body is found, I have to remain hopeful.” Levi, aged 24 at the time of his disappearance, had a background in rugby, playing for Bath and Worthing, and also featured on Celebrity X Factor. He traveled to Barcelona by boat on October 29, having been in Ibiza for music-related work. His final known communication with friends or family occurred after midnight on October 30, when he sent a WhatsApp voice note. Julie noted that the two-year mark since his disappearance is “bringing back the emotional anxiety and sleepless nights.” On the morning following Levi’s disappearance, individuals aboard a cruise ship near Barcelona’s port reported observing a man in the water. A subsequent search operation was initiated but later terminated after no passengers were reported missing from the vessel. Levi’s passport was discovered at the port several weeks thereafter. Barcelona police confirmed they were examining the potential that Levi had drowned, but subsequently closed the investigation. Over the past 14 months, investigative journalists Dan Evans and Tom Latchem have been examining the details of the case for Byline Times, an independent publication. The journalists assert, “The police [in Barcelona] have failed to properly get CCTV, they didn’t get the communications history Levi was using and they didn’t do anything properly.” They indicate that they have been exploring the possibility that Levi may have been blackmailed and advocate for a more comprehensive review of the case. The journalists contend, “This is an international case, which has fallen between gaps and the police don’t work together.” They further added, “The British police thought ‘well it happened in Barcelona, we can wash our hands of it’, and the police there have fluffed it.” Mossos d’Esquadra, the Catalan Police force, informed the BBC that they are awaiting a court decision regarding the potential for a new investigation, as judicial directives govern such cases. Julie, who resides in Solihull in the West Midlands, is now requesting that UK police assume leadership of the investigation. She met with Labour MP Jess Phillips in July, prior to Phillips’ appointment as Minister for Safeguarding, to discuss the matter and described Phillips as having been “very supportive.” West Midlands Police have stated that the Spanish authorities are conducting the investigation and that they will provide assistance “if there are any further developments,” while continuing to “offer support to Levi’s family.” However, Julie emphasizes her need for answers. She expressed, “It’s very hard being asked all the questions from other family and there being no update to give.” Julie concluded, “I don’t know if my son is dead or alive. He’s my baby and he’s very vulnerable and I just want him home.” The BBC Sounds program ‘Looking for Levi’ on File on 4 is available for listening. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding their external linking policy is available.