Farooq Abdulrazak, 37, and Juan Cifuentes, 33, went missing after travelling to Denmark last weekend. They were expected to return on Sunday (14 July).

Two bodies were subsequently discovered in a burnt-out car in Malmo, which has been linked to the disappearance of the two Londoners.

The Metropolitan Police is working with authorities in Sweden to establish the circumstances. The Foreign Office earlier this week confirmed it was supporting the families of two British men reported missing in Sweden and are in touch with the local authorities.

It follows a social media appeal by the men’s families to find and make contact with them. The two bodies are yet to be formally identified.

Posting to Instagram on Thursday (18 July), Empire Holidays wrote: "It is very difficult to say this, but it is with a heavy heart that we inform you that the owner of Empire Holidays (Farooq) has sadly passed away."

The post added: "Please keep Farooq and Juan in your duas and may they reach the highest level of Jannah. Ameen."

According to Empire’s Facebook page, the brand specialised in budget holidays, hotels, honeymoons and transfers.

Empire also issued a message to clients, confirming any holidays booked with Mr Abdulrazak or Empire Holidays would go ahead as planned.