Hunt for missing hiker called off

Jeffery Moore (centre) was reported missing by his partner on Monday

The hunt for a British man who disappeared after he set out for a hike in the Austrian Alps has been called off.

Jeffery Moore, 37, from Webb Road in Fareham, Hampshire, has not been found despite an intensive search effort.

He set off from the mountain resort of Heiligenblut early on Monday morning and was reported missing that night by his partner.

Despite a major search, local police in Austria have said there has been no sign of Mr Moore.

Lieutenant Johann Schunn, of the Austrian Federal Police, told the BBC on Thursday: "Yesterday, in the evening, we made the decision to cancel this search because we have searched for three days, and even two nights, with more than 100 search units and a helicopter and also police dogs.

'Insufficient equipment'

"On Monday morning, he intended to walk alone to a famous waterfall.

"We think that, while in England he is a mountain hiker, he is not fit for alpine climbing tours.

"We also think that his equipment was not sufficient for the alpine area."

Ralph White, managing director of Rosker Ltd, the Gosport-based firm Mr Moore works for, said: "We are deeply saddened at the news received here that our work colleague, Jeff Moore, has been reported missing whilst on a mountain hike in Austria.

"He has always been one of the most likeable, most helpful, and most friendly persons that any one of us would ever be likely to know.

"We are keeping faith that he will be found alive and our thoughts go out to his partner, Marilyn, his family and friends."

Heiligenblut is the closest town to the highest mountain in Austria, the Grossglockner peak, and is used as a starting point for hikes.