OFFICERS searching for a missing man have asked members of the public to refrain from organising search parties tonight due to poor weather conditions.
A search is underway for Peter Phelps, 63, from Skelton.
Officers from Cleveland Police and volunteers from Cleveland Mountain Rescue are currently searching the wooded areas between Skelton and Saltburn and surrounding areas in a bid to find Mr Phelps.
A spokersperson for Cleveland Police said: "We would please ask for members of the public to refrain from organising search parties to find Peter.
"The weather conditions can be extremely dangerous in the dark and officers would ask people to leave it to the professionals as lives could potentially be at risk.
"Thank you for everyone’s assistance with the search so far but please follow our advice."
Anyone who has seen Mr Phelps is asked to call 101, using the reference number 210655.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here