Axe Found in Hunt for Missing Students

The former Manchester University students vanished on Ben Nevis over a month ago.

Published 21st Mar 2016

An ice axe has been found on Ben Nevis where mountain rescuers have been searching for a missing couple.

Experienced climbers Rachel Slater, 24, and 27-year-old Tim Newton, from Bradford, West Yorkshire, were reported missing on February 15 after failing to return from an outing on Britain's highest mountain.

The pair met at whilst studying at Manchester University.

Searches by rescue teams have been carried out ever since, with some efforts hampered by hazardous weather and avalanche risks.

Climbers and walkers in the area have also been advised to share information with them to help the search.

Lochaber mountain rescue team said a technical ice axe had been found below the Shroud/Boomers Requiem area of the mountain.

Posting on its Facebook page, the team asked anyone who might have lost an axe to contact police in order to eliminate it from searches.