Missing Manchester Mountaineers - Latest.
The search for two former Manchester students missing on Britain's highest mountain has been delayed by more bad weather. Efforts to locate Rachel Slater, 24, and Tim Newton, 27, on Ben Nevis in the Scottish Highlands were suspended due to treacherous weather conditions. The pair, who met at Manchester University. went climbing over the weekend and were reported overdue on Monday. Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team planned to resume the search at first light this morning (Wednesday) but heavy snow, fog and blustery winds have forced them to review their plans. Two members of the rescue team were caught up in an avalanche during the search of Tuesday but survived unscathed. Friends and fellow climbers have been posting messages on social media praising the search teams and voicing hope that the couple will be found safe. One wrote on the UKClimbing forum: Great, enthusiastic young climbers. Such good role models for the sport.I've seen them out and about in the past and follow their logbooks cos they climb routes I'd like to. I hope they are found OK. I'm crossing everything and thinking of them and the search teams.''
Anyone who was climbing or walking in the Ben Nevis area over the weekend and saw the couple is being urged to contact police on 101.