Hiker was 'relaxed' before going missing in Italy

A British hiker "sounded relaxed" prior to going missing in Italy, a friend has said.

Matthew Hall, from Hull, was staying at the B&B Ploncher hotel when he disappeared from Chiavenna, Lombardy, on 9 July.

In a last text sent to friend Jacob White on the day he went missing, Mr Hall had told him he thought he had taken "a wrong turn" on a trail and was "having a rest".

Friends of the 33-year-old, including five of his colleagues from Quickline, a broadband provider in Willerby, East Yorkshire, have flown to Italy to join the search.

Mr White said he received a text from Mr Hall at 13:37 BST on 9 July.

He said Mr Hall "sounded relaxed" in the text and was asking him about his own holiday in Cornwall.

Mr White added that his friend "sounded as if any danger he might have seen was over".

Speaking from Italy, Mr Hall's close friend, Ben Lee, said: "We're here on the ground doing everything we can to help find him.

"We spoke to the B&B owner who was really helpful and helped us narrow down the hiking routes.

"There are now five main rescue teams and three helicopters searching for Matt."

Friends said permission had also been granted for a drone to be used in the search.

Mr Lee added that "everyone is working so hard" and "around the clock" and the "efforts haven't gone unnoticed".

"We just want our friend found, we miss him and we aren't giving up.

"His family are staying strong back home and we're in constant contact."

Mr Hall has worked as an engineer for Quickline since January 2023.

The company said he was a "well-liked colleague" and confirmed that five staff members had travelled to Italy to assist in the search.

A Quickline spokesperson said: "We remain in close contact with Matt's family and are doing all we can to support them during this incredibly difficult time.

"Our thoughts are with Matt and his loved ones, and we are all hoping for a safe and positive outcome."

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."

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