Fears for jeans-clad man missing on icy Ben Nevis

Published on Monday 31 January 2011 13:14

FEARS were growing last night for a 20-year-old man who went missing on Ben Nevis wearing jeans and a light jacket.

A search for the walker, named as Haider Ali Manir, was stood down last night as weather conditions deteriorated.

Mr Manir was reported missing at about 6pm on Sunday. The cousin of the young man reported concerns when he failed to return, having been last seen at about 1,000ft up on the hill.

A spokesman for Northern Constabulary said: "Concerns are increasing for his welfare, particularly as he is not thought to be equipped for a night on the hill. He was last seen wearing jeans and a navy jacket and black hat."

John Stevenson, leader of Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team said: "It was very windy and icy. He went up the Ben looking for a good time, but got hit by the weather. It was really windy.

"We have been out most of the night and also most of the day. We had 50 guys out in total, as well as the helicopter.

"The summit is really wild. Although it was a tough one to delay, it was very windy. You are battling for survival even as a rescue mountaineer."