Bodies of two young men found in Eryri mountain range after large-scale search

Rescue teams scoured Yr Wyddfa in north Wales in snow and ice after pair, aged 19 and 20, were reported missing

The bodies of two men have been found in Eryri mountain range in north Wales after a large-scale search, police have said.

The men, aged 19 and 20, were reported missing on Wednesday, which sparked a search operation on the Eryri mountain range (Snowdonia).

Mountain rescue teams waded through snow and ice on Yr Wyddfa – also known as Snowdon – until the early hours of Thursday morning before resuming at 8am that day.

Both men were located and recovered, and their families have been informed, north Wales Police said on Saturday.

Jurgen Dissmann, chair of Llanberis mountain rescue team, said: “I would like to extend our most heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the two men who have tragically lost their lives.

“The team were tasked by north Wales Police and launched an extensive multiagency operation in full winter conditions.

“Volunteers searched across challenging mountain terrain in snow and ice, working long hours through the night in difficult weather in an effort to locate the pair as quickly as possible.

“Despite the determined and sustained commitment of everyone involved, we are deeply saddened that, despite all efforts, the outcome was not what we had hoped for.”

A spokesperson for north Wales Police said: “We can confirm that two bodies have been located in the Eryri mountain range during searches for two missing men, aged 19 and 20.

“Concerns for the welfare of the men were reported to police on Wednesday, 18 February.

“Tragically, the bodies of the two men were located and recovered as part of these coordinated search efforts. Both have now been formally identified, and their families have been informed.

“The coroner has been notified, and we ask that the privacy of the families is respected at this difficult time.”

Last June, two sisters, Hajra Zahid, 29, and Haleema Zahid, 25, died after being pulled from water on the Watkin Path, which leads to the summit of Snowdon.