Major search launched for British hiker missing for 5 days as last 8-word text revealed

A major search operation is underway to find a British man who has been missing for five days. Matthew Hall, 33, from Hull, was staying at B&B Ploncher Hotel in Chiavenna, Italy, when he went missing on July 9.

It is understood Mr Hall was planning an eight hour hike, but after failing to check out of his accommodation he was declared missing two days later. He should have flown to Manchester from Milan on July 12.

In a text sent to a friend before he was reported missing, Mr Hill said: "I lost the path and stopped to rest".

A number of work friends have arrived in Italy to help with the search involving Carabinieri, the Guardia di Finanza and an Alpine Rescue team.

According to Italian media reports cited by the BBC, he could have headed towards Savogno or Dasile, starting from Borgonuovo, or been going towards Pianazzola, Daloo or Lagunch, starting from Chiavenna.

Mum, Emma Foster, told the broadcaster she felt "very wobbly" but was trying to stay positive. She said: "If you're walking around Chiavenna just keep an eye out. We just want him to come home."

Mr Hall's pal, Ben Lee, said he was last seen by a girl at a church on the day he went missing and that had suggested which route his friend had taken.

Mr Lee said there were four teams and three helicopters taking part in the search.

A spokeswoman for Mr Hall's workplace, Quickline, told the Hull Daily Mail that five of his colleagues were travelling to Italy to help with the search.

Mr Hall is described as being about 5ft 8" (1.78m) and with brown hair. He is believed to have been wearing a beige shirt and carrying a black backpack when he left the hotel.

Ms Foster said: "I feel like I'm living someone else's nightmare but I've just been blown sideways by all of his friends... The way they have just leapt into action has been unbelievable, it really has."

She added: "He's fit, he's resourceful, so that's what's keeping me positive. He's well travelled and a solo traveller. He's a walker and has all the gear. We just need to find him and bring him home to safety."

A Foreign Office spokesperson said: "We are supporting the family of a British man missing in Italy and are in contact with the local authorities."