POLICE and search and rescue volunteers are searching the North York Moors for a missing man, who became separated from other walkers in thick fog.
Stephen Gibson, 73, went out walking with a group of walkers near Rosedale Chimney Bank on Wednesday, November 11 and became separated from them during heavy fog.
He was last seen at around 4pm walking along a path between Lastingham and the Chimney Bank as the fog and darkness descended.
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 did not return to his vehicle.
A large search operation was then mounted involving police and search and rescue teams with air support from the National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopter overnight.
The operation continued throughout on Thursday, November 12. Police worked with volunteers from Scarborough and Ryedale and Cleveland Mountain Rescue teams and RAF air support. A Coast Guard helicopter was also called in.
Nine specially trained search and rescue dogs were also brought in.The dogs work with volunteer search and rescue teams and travelled from across the country to assist with the search.
Officers from North Yorkshire Police will also be using thermal imaging cameras to search for Mr Gibson.
Inspector Mike Fenton of North Yorkshire Police, said: “Mr Gibson is a regular walker, is very fit and knows the area well, however we are growing concerned for his safety and fear he may have got into difficulty or has been injured. He did not have any food with him or overnight equipment.
“If anyone has seen a man matching his description in the areas around Lastingham, Rosedale and Hutton le Hole, or has given him shelter overnight, we urge you to contact the police.”
Mr Gibson, who is from Terrington near Malton, is described as white, around 5ft 10ins, with blue eyes, grey, balding hair and wears glasses. He was wearing a blue and green waterproof jacket, a quilted waistcoat, breeches, boots and a tweed cap.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 and pass information to the Force Control Room.
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