University of Leeds Physics undergraduate student, Tim Newton, is missing after failing to return from an outing on Ben Nevis at the weekend.

Newton, 27, and Rachel Slater, 24, both experienced climbers, were thought to have been camping in a green tent near the Charles Inglis Clark memorial hut on the north side of the mountain.

The alarm was raised on Monday after they were reported overdue from their expedition.

Following a possible sighting of two people fitting their description climbing in the area on Sunday afternoon, a search began, but had to be postponed on Tuesday after two involved in the search were caught in an avalanche.

Further to this, an avalanche in Creag Meagaidh in the western Highlands which killed one man and left another seriously injured, diverted the rescue heliocopter on Wednesday.

Due to heavy snow, fog, and high winds of up to 90mph, Inspector Donald Campbell, of Police Scotland, has stated that conditions on Ben Nevis are still making it too dangerous to resume the search and Lochaber Mountain Rescue teams are having to review conditions on an hourly basis.

From Ms Slater’s logbook entries on UKClimbing.com, it is apparent that she has conducted a number of expeditions with Mr Newton and both are very experienced and well-travelled climbers.

A joint statement from the families of Mr Newton and Ms Slater stated: “We are extremely grateful to members of the emergency services and search and rescue personnel who are searching for Rachel and Tim.

“The overwhelming response from members of the public and the climbing community has greatly assisted the search effort and we appreciate all the support and words of encouragement.”

Jonny Chard