Body found in search for two missing hikers

A BODY has been found in the search for two British hikers who went missing in an Italian mountain range, authorities said yesterday.

- By Liam Buckler

It is believed to be that of Samuel Harris, 35, who was travelling with Aziz Ziriat, 36, in the Dolomites. They were last heard from at 2.20pm on January 1, when they sent messages to their loved ones in England.

The pair were due to return home on Monday, but a search and rescue operation was launched as the friends, both from London, did not board their return flight.

Italy's alpine rescue service confirmed yesterday that a body was found "unfortunately lifeless, buried under the snow" after a helicopter search. Italian news agency Ansa reported that it was Mr Harris.