Search for missing walker, 80, called off

Keen walker and bird-watcher Brian Fletcher pictured on the day he went missing

The search for a missing walker last seen on 22 March has been called off, police have said.

"Keen bird-watcher" Brian Fletcher, 80, disappeared after travelling from his home in Bury to Tockholes, Lancashire, a hiking spot he visited regularly.

His car had been found parked in a layby on the A675, near Tockholes Road.

Lancashire Police said after "extensive" searches involving six mountain rescue organisations, two other police forces, the coastguard and fire and rescue crews, it had told Mr Fletcher's family the search would be stood down.

The search for Brian Fletcher involved three police forces, six mountain rescue organisations, the coastguard and fire and rescue crews

The force said more than 36 sq km (13.9 sq miles) of moorland, woodland, watercourses and reservoirs had been searched in the past three weeks including with police dogs, divers and drones.

A spokesperson said: "We have now exhausted all search enquiries and so for the moment the searches have been stood down. We will of course continue to act on any new information reported to us."

Mr Fletcher's family were "fully understanding" of the decision, the force said.

Brian Fletcher's family were "fully understanding" of the decision to stand down the search, according to police

"The family have expressed their appreciation of the extensive searches carried out by police and all the agencies involved, and to the members of the public who kindly offered their help and assistance in looking for Brian," the spokesperson said.

New searches could take place if environmental conditions change or if new information comes to light, the police added.

Mr Fletcher was wearing a tan-coloured cap, blue jumper and cargo trousers when he went missing.

He was familiar with the Tockholes area and regularly visited Higher Roddlesworth and Lower Hoddlesworth reservoirs.