THE family of a man from York who is missing in Thailand spoke of their devastation last night.

In a statement issued through North Yorkshire Police, relatives of 54-year-old Stephen Magson admitted that their hopes of finding him alive were fading.

The father-of-four had been enjoying a holiday on Phi Phi Island, Thailand, with his wife, Denise, and daughter India.

When the tsunami struck, Mrs Magson and India were at sea in a kayak and Mr Magson was watching them from the beach. Mrs Magson and India survived and escaped serious injury, but Mr Magson has not been seen since.

Mrs Magson's sister, Gill, and partner Tim flew to Phuket to search for him, but were unable to find any trace. They have now returned.

Last night's statement said: "The family's hopes of finding Steve alive are fading.

"Steve lived in York all his life and was a well-known and respected businessman, a wonderful husband to Denise, loving father to John, Richard, William and India and a most caring brother for Sandra and Kay."

The statement also said Mrs Magson wished to thank friends and family for messages of love and support.