Haider Ali Manir had been walking on Ben Nevis with a cousin
Police have said a man who went missing on Ben Nevis was unlikely to have survived conditions on the mountain.
Bad weather has prevented fresh searches for Haider Ali Manir, 20, from Worcester.
A cousin who had been walking with him, but turned back, raised the alarm on Sunday when he failed to return.
Ch Insp John Chisholm, of Northern Constabulary, said officers who had been involved in searches on the mountain were now fearing the worst.
He said: "The passage of time, coupled with the severe weather up on the mountain, sadly indicates that it's highly unlikely Mr Manir has survived.
"The weather here today has made it impossible to search and indeed the Met Office has predicted further severe weather for the next two days.
"It may be possible to conduct a further search at the weekend if conditions permit."
Police said Mr Manir's family were being kept fully aware of the situation.
John Stevenson, leader of Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team, said he was satisfied with the scale and detail of searches made in extremely hazardous conditions.
Wearing jeans
He said: "Search personnel encountered whiteout conditions near the summit of Ben Nevis with blowing snow and ice underfoot.
"We have a severe forecast over the next few days and this will prevent further search activity.
"We hope to resume our efforts when a suitable weather window permits."
Mr Manir was ill-equipped for a walk on Ben Nevis and was last seen wearing jeans, a jacket and a hat.
Police have appealed to walkers and climbers who may have seen him to contact them.
- Published1 February 2011
- Published30 January 2011
