Bodies found in search for missing father and son

Two bodies have been found during a search in Glen Coe for a missing father and son from Cheshire.

Police said formal identification had still to take place, but the family of Tom Parry, 49, and his 12-year-old son Richie, from the town of Alsager, had been made aware.

Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team described the father and son as experienced hillwalkers and said they had climbed Ben Nevis the previous day.

Police Scotland said inquiries were ongoing but there were no apparent suspicious circumstances. Insp Craig Johnstone said: “Our thoughts are with all those involved. I would like to thank all emergency services and mountain rescue volunteers.”

Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team said rescue volunteers training in the area helped in the search

About 45 mountain rescue volunteers have been involved in the search for Mr Parry and his son.

This included 15 members of the Glencoe team, along with members of the neighbouring Lochaber team and mountain rescuers from Keswick, Langdale Ambleside and Cockermouth who were training in the area.

A coastguard helicopter from Prestwick, Ayrshire, was also involved.

Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team said the bodies were found by teams on foot.

A spokesperson said: "As has been reported the bodies are yet to be identified but the family of Tom and Richie Parry have been notified.

"We are deeply saddened by this outcome and our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the Parry family at this time."

The Senate Group chief executive Paul Keeling said Mr Parry was meticulous in his work and interest in hillwalking

Mr Parry was an incident manager/controller working night-time shifts at security and risk company The Senate Group.

Chief executive Paul Keeling said staff were in shock, and many had offered to go to Scotland to help in the search.

Mr Keeling said their "hearts went out" to Mr Parry's wife Gemma and their other son, Joe.

He said: "Tom was a key member of our team. He was more than just a colleague - I really want to emphasize the loss to us is just immense.

"Tom was dedicated to Richie and Joe. His heart was his children."

Mr Keeling said Mr Parry's interest in hillwalking was well known at the company, adding that he would meticulously plan his walks.

Richie had recently joined AFC Alsager's newly formed under-13s football team.

Mr Parry and his son were due to return home on Wednesday after visiting Glen Nevis and Glen Coe on a trip to the Scottish Highlands.

This area has been hit by thundery downpours this week, with a Met Office yellow "be aware" warning for thunderstorms being put in place on Monday.

Police confirmed their car had been found in the Three Sisters car park in Glen Coe, where they set off from on Tuesday.

The landscape and history of Glen Coe draws thousands of visitors every year.

St Mary's Church in Alsager has offered support to the local community

St Mary's Church in Alsager said its prayers were with the Parry family and their friends and neighbours after what is described as being "shocking and devastating news".

In a social media post the church said: "St Mary's Church will continue to be open, as it is everyday, for anyone who wishes to come in and peacefully hold Tom, Richie, and all their family, in their thoughts and prayers."

Alasger Town Council has offered its support and deepest sympathy to the family and their friends.