Body found in search for Brit hikers in Italy's Dolomite mountains after missing flight home
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A body has been found in the search for one of two British hikers who went missing in the Dolomites, according to authorities. Aziz Ziriat, 36, and Samuel Harris, 35, were hiking in northern Italy and were last heard from at 2.20pm on January 1, when they sent messages to their loved ones in England. They were due to return home on January 6, but a search and rescue operation was launched as the two friends, both from London, didn't board their return flight.
Italy's alpine rescue service confirmed this morning a body was found "unfortunately lifeless, buried under the snow" after a helicopter search resumed on Wednesday. One of their backpacks and equipment were found this morning during a search of a bivouac hut where they were said to have sheltered at.
One of the bodies was found in a high-altitude area where a phone signal was last recorded from one of them, authorities added. A video on the day they were last heard from said they planned to leave their backpacks for a day before moving to the next valley as they wanted a day "frolicking.".
Mr Ziriat said in the clip they had just stayed at "this little Bivacco - absolute quality little setup", and he added: "It's a bit icy and I'm only wearing my flipflops.". The rescue team said it would continue in its search for the other man. Authorities in Italy said it is unusual for hikers to go missing at this time of year. Crystal Palace Football Club, where Mr Ziriat works, posted an appeal for information on social media, writing: "Crystal Palace urges supporters to share any information they might have to help locate Palace for Life Foundation staff member Aziz Ziriat, and his friend Sam Harris, who have been missing since 1st January whilst hiking in the Dolomites mountains in northeastern Italy.
