Family of missing British hiker in Italy issues statement as search continues

The family of a British hiker who went missing in northern Italy have said they are “devastated by the tragic events of recent days”.

Search teams continue to search for Aziz Ziriat, 36, who has been missing for more than a week in the Dolomites in northern Italy.

His friend’s body Sam Harris35 years old and also from London, was found on Wednesday in the Passo di Conca area, rescuers said.

In a statement, Mr Ziriat’s family said: “Aziz continues to be loved and prayed for. We hope, with all our hearts, that he is found and brought home soon.”

Meanwhile, Joe Stone, an academic friend of Mr Ziriat, told the PA news agency on Saturday that although search teams “have tried everything” to find him, “there is among us an acceptance of So it won’t be good news.”

The couple’s last known location was a mountain refuge called Casina Dosson, near the town of Tione Di Trento, near Riva Del Garda on Lake Garda.

Italy The National Cliff and Alpine Cave Rescue Corps (CNSAS) indicated on Saturday that the search for Mr. Ziriat had resumed at first light.

About 40 rescuers were flown to high altitudes to dig through the snow and search for Mr Ziriat in the area where Mr Harris’ body was found.

On Wednesday, the teams who spotted the “phone of one of the two mountaineers” discovered in the Passo di Conca area a body “unfortunately deceased, buried under the snow”.

Mr Ziriat’s family praised the work of the search teams, adding that “their commitment to finding Aziz was exceptional”.

Palace For Life, the Crystal Palace-run charity Mr Ziriat works for, posted on X: “We are aware of reports that the body of Sam Harris has been found.

“We are devastated to hear this news and our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to his loved ones. No further information is currently available regarding Aziz’s whereabouts.”

A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said on Friday: “We are supporting the family of a British man who died in northern Italy and are in contact with the local authorities.”