Searches for man missing in Romanian mountains

Searches have been taking place for a British man missing for more than a week since going hiking in mountains in Romania.

George Smyth, from Shropshire, had been missing since 23 November in the Bucegi Mountains despite daily searches, Brașov Mountain Rescue said.

The service believes he left that morning from Poiana Brașov heading to Bran, the site of Count Dracula's castle. Mr Smyth reached Tiganesti, where he asked for support via the 112 emergency number.

Mr Smyth's rugby club in Newport, Shropshire, said he grew up through its junior section, "is a much-loved member of our club", and its thoughts were with him, family and friends.

At the weekend it said everyone at the club was "deeply concerned to hear that George Smyth has been reported missing while hiking the Bucegi Mountain range in Romania".

He represented its Colts last season and had "often given his time wholeheartedly to help coach our younger age groups".

"He has always been part of the Newport rugby family, and this news has touched all of us," the club added.

"As a club and a rugby family, we are holding onto hope that George is found safe and well, and hope that the ongoing search efforts in Romania bring positive news soon."

The club said it asked everyone to keep him and the family "in their hearts".

On Friday, the mountain rescue service said he had been missing since the previous Sunday evening in the mountains, but had not been found despite "maintained efforts".

The service said family asked it to share the photo of him and asked anybody who had seen him or had "any relevant information to urgently contact" the service or go to the nearest police station.

A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson said: "We are supporting the family of British man who is missing in Romania and are in contact with the local authorities."