Major search in North Yorkshire for missing fell walker

Police, mountain rescue and cave rescue teams are searching for a 74-year-old man who has been missing for over two days after going on a countryside walk.

David McCartney failed to return from his walk in the Craven area, near Skipton, in North Yorkshire, on Monday.

The search for Mr McCartney, who is from Keighley in West Yorkshire, was focused on fells and hills around Great Whernside and Kettlewell, police said.

His family said he spoke with a stutter which may be distinctive.

Mr McCartney was last seen leaving his house on Monday before heading to the Craven area for a walk expected to last four to five hours. However, he did not return home.

He was wearing a blue coat (pictured), red trousers, an orange and brown striped scarf and he had a red and black rucksack, police said.

RAF helicopters, members of the Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team and the Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association, along with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, cave rescuers and RAF Mountain Rescue, were helping with the search, according to North Yorkshire Police.

"Searches are continuing for a third day and the focus is on the Great Whernside, Kettlewell and surrounding fells and hilltops," the force added.

Anyone who sees Mr McCartney, or someone matching his description, has been asked to call 999.

Meanwhile, anyone with information which might help in the search for him should call 101, North Yorkshire Police said.

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