Pensioner found freezing in woods

An elderly man is recovering in hospital after a mountain rescue team found him freezing and close to death in woodland in south Wales.

The 70-year-old from Bonymaen in Swansea had gone missing Sunday, sparking a full-scale search operation.

South Wales Police said he was suffering from hypothermia and a broken ankle, and he is now recovering at Swansea's Morriston Hospital.

The 10-hour hunt ended at 2240 GMT when the man was found in the wood near Jersey Road in the town.

Inspector Joe Ruddy said he would not have survived the night.

"If he had been out there much longer he would have frozen to death," he said.

"It was a full-scale search and a successful operation."

Helicopter deployed

Police officers, mountain rescue teams and a helicopter were scrambled for the operation, which began at 1300 GMT on Sunday.

A spokesperson said the man had become confused and wondered into the wooded area, where he got into difficulty.

They received a report regarding his disappearance at 1245 GMT Sunday.

The spokeswoman did not disclose the exact circumstances surrounding the man's disappearance, however.