The search for a top mountain climber from Manchester missing in an avalanche in the Scottish Highlands has been called off due to bad weather.
Andrew Vine has not been seen since Friday when he got into trouble while climbing Aonach Mor mountain near Ben Nevis.
His climbing partner, who was found by rescuers, is reported to have been carried 'several hundred metres' by the avalanche. She was seriously injured.
Mr Vine, 41, a mechanical engineer, is understood to be an experienced climber and a member of Manchester-based Karabiner Mountaineering Club.
Lochaber, Glencoe and Cairngorm mountain rescue teams were involved in extensive searches over the weekend.
Two coastguard helicopters from Inverness and Stornoway also assisted in the searches.
But Police Scotland say the effort is now suspended due to weather conditions.
According to the Scottish Avalanche Information Service the avalanche hazard in the Lochaber area is also 'considerable'.
Paul Stevenson, from Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team, told the Daily Telegraph rescuers were forced to suspended the search on Sunday afternoon.
He said: "Unfortunately we can't find him.
"We had 35 people out today and they have done a great job but the weather is so bad with strong winds, snow and rain.
"We can only assume he is buried. But all we can say is that he is missing."
Police at Fort William say Mr Vine was last seen on the West Face of Aonach Mor around 1pm on Friday.
Sgt Ross McCartney said: "As time passes we are becoming increasingly concerned for Mr Vine and would like to speak to anyone who has seen him since 1pm on Friday, 28 February, 2020."
