POLICE searching for a walker who went missing in thick fog in North Yorkshire on Wednesday have confirmed that a body has been found.
Stephen Gibson, 73, who had been walking near Rosedale Chimney Bank near Rosedale Abbey, Pickering, became separated from his group in thick fog.
He was last seen at about 4pm walking along a path between Lastingham and Chimney Bank as fog and darkness descended.
The search operation for missing walker Stephen Gibson on the North York Moors near Rosedale. The search has involved police, search and rescue teams, air support and specially trained dogs. Picture courtesy of Scarborough and Ryedale Mountain Rescue Team
His fellow walkers raised the alarm at 7pm when he didn’t return to his vehicle.
Search teams scoured moorland for any sign of him in appalling weather conditions.
Ryedale and Scarborough Mountain Rescue Team joined in the search with Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team, RAF Leeming Mountain Rescue Team and Cleveland Mountain Rescue.
Support also came from the National Police Air Service helicopter and RAF air support and search and rescue dogs from across the country.
Mr Gibson, from Terrington near Malton, did not have any food with him or overnight equipment.
This morning North Yorkshire Police said: "Police searching for 73-year-old Stephen Gibson, who went missing on 11 November when out walking near Rosedale Chimney Bank, have located a body.
"Officers recovered a man’s body near Cropton this morning.
"Stephen’s family have been informed of the discovery.
"Thank you to the media and the public for their assistance with the search."
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