The two British hikers had been missing since January 1 (Image: GMB )
A body has been found in the search for two Brits hiking in the mountains of Italy who had been missing since New Year’s day.
Aziz Ziriat, 36, and Samuel Harris, 35, were last heard from when they sent messages home from the Trentino region in northern Italy.
Police said two mountain climbers were last spotted in the San Valentino Valley near a mountain hut named Casina Dosson by Mount Care Alto..
Now, the alpine rescue service have said in a statement that a body has been found in deep snow at an altitude of 2,600 metres.
Rescue workers said they tracked down the body after tracing his mobile phone signal.
The search for the other hiker is still ongoing, with alpine rescue teams on foot using sniffer dogs to determine the Briton’s whereabouts.
Italy’s alpine rescue service had earlier confirmed it had discovered possessions belonging to the missing hikers, including backpacks, sleeping bags, and phone chargers, at the Malga Dosson refuge where they had been staying in the mountains.
It’s noted as uncommon for hikers to vanish during this period, sparking concern among search teams which include Alpine Rescue, Guardia di Finanza, Carabinieri and local firefighters.
Efforts had reportedly been made tougher due to harsh and recent snow, according to local outlet Il Dolomiti.
Fears erupted when the pair failed to check into their return flight on Monday to the UK.
Around 25 alpine rescuer experts, as well as police and firefighters, were scrambled in a major search operation.
Efforts had reportedly been focused around Adamello mountain range.
This is a breaking story. More to follow.