Family finds hidden man behind wall at Booking.com rental

A family of four was left traumatized after discovering a man concealed behind a false wall in a holiday rental property in County Wexford, Ireland, last weekend. The incident, which the mother described as horrifying, has prompted an investigation by the booking platform and a response from local police.

The family, identified only by the mother Therese, had booked the property for a single night on July 18 to attend a relative's birthday party nearby. The listing on Booking.com advertised the entire home as being available and not owner-occupied. Upon arrival that afternoon, Therese met the landlord, who provided a key and a tour. She noted his clothes were in a running tumble dryer and, when she asked if he would be returning later, he stated he would not.

Feeling uneasy but proceeding with their plans, the family left for the celebration. When they returned that evening, they found signs the landlord had been back: the dryer was empty and a washing machine was now running. The key was also back in its external lockbox. Alarmed, Therese asked her partner to check the house.

In the living room, they noticed a partition wall that looked unusual. Her partner discovered it was a...