Rescue dogs sent out to find missing Moors walker Stephen Gibson, 73

A search operation involving nine specialist dogs is under way for a 73-year-old walker who got lost in fog on the moors.
By The Newsroom
Published 13th Nov 2015, 09:07 BST
Walker Stephen Gibson went missing near Rosedale in the North York Moors. Pictured is the Millennium Cross high on the North Yorkshire Moors above Rosedale Abbey. Nikon D3s 28-70mm lens 800th F8, 160ISO. TJ100964d Picture Tony JohnsonWalker Stephen Gibson went missing near Rosedale in the North York Moors. Pictured is the Millennium Cross high on the North Yorkshire Moors above Rosedale Abbey. Nikon D3s 28-70mm lens 800th F8, 160ISO. TJ100964d Picture Tony Johnson
Walker Stephen Gibson went missing near Rosedale in the North York Moors. Pictured is the Millennium Cross high on the North Yorkshire Moors above Rosedale Abbey. Nikon D3s 28-70mm lens 800th F8, 160ISO. TJ100964d Picture Tony Johnson

Search and rescue teams joined police who have been using thermal imaging cameras to find Stephen Gibson who went missing on Wednesday on the North York Moors.

He was with a group of walkers near Rosedale Chimney Bank but got separated in heavy fog. North Yorkshire Police said he was last seen at 4pm on Wednesday walking along a path between Lastingham and the Chimney Bank as darkness descended.

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His fellow walkers raised the alarm at 7pm when he did not return to his vehicle.

Police and search and rescue teams have been searching overnight with air support from the National Police Air Service helicopter.

Specialist search and rescue dogs from around the country have been brought to the scene to help.

Further searches continued throughout the day with assistance from search and rescue volunteers and RAF air support.

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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 white, around 5ft 10in, 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.