Search for missing Ben Nevis walker suspended

Kyle Knox, 23, went missing overnight on Monday. Picture: PA

Kyle Knox, from London, was last seen at about 10am on Monday at the start of the route for the 4409-ft high Ben Nevis in the Scottish Highlands.

He failed to return to his accommodation in the Fort William area on Tuesday, prompting staff to alert police to his disappearance.

Police Scotland said the force had no information to suggest he was an experienced walker and believe he attempted to climb the mountain alone.

The search for Kyle has been carried out under “challenging conditions” and was yesterday (Thurs) stood down until conditions improve.

A spokesman for Police Scotland said: “Police Scotland advises that the search of the Glen Nevis area for missing hillwalker Kyle Knox is to be suspended until ground conditions improve to allow a safe and full search by mountain rescue teams.

“Conditions will be continually assessed going forward and it is hoped the search for Mr Knox will resume as soon as it is safe to do so.

“Police Scotland extends appreciation to all personnel involved in search efforts, which took place in very challenging conditions.

“Anyone who may have sighted Mr Knox in the vicinity of Glen Nevis is urged to contact Police on 101.

“Police are grateful to those who have made contact with this information to date.”

Kyle is described as 5ft 10in tall, of slim build with dark hair.

He was wearing dark waterproof trousers, walking boots and a jacket with red flashes on it.

The search included the last involvement of a Sea King helicopter from RAF Lossiemouth in a search and rescue.

The crew involved was eventually stood down with duties handed over to a Coastguard co-ordinated Bristow helicopter crew based at Inverness Airport.

Search and rescue dogs as well as Glencoe and Lochaber mountain rescue teams have also been scouring the mountain.

Temperatures have been below freezing in the area this week, with the coldest temperature recorded at about -7C.