Search fails to find mountaineer

Ben Cheek's family say he has faced 'dire situations' before

An initial search for missing British mountaineer in northern Pakistan has ended after no trace of him was found.

Ben Cheek, 28, from West Didsbury, Manchester, was due to return from the Shimshal Whitehorn peak area almost two weeks ago after a solo attempt.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) said the initial search was complete and proved "inconclusive".

The FCO said it remained in touch with Mr Cheek's family in Scotland and search efforts will continue.

Two Italian climbers stranded on their descent in the nearby Nanga Parbat region were rescued last Thursday.

Dangerous terrain

Last week Mr Cheek's sister, Laura, told the BBC he had previously been in "dire situations" and survived for long periods of time in extreme conditions.

Mr Cheek, a research biologist originally from Berwickshire, decided to make the attempt alone on 11 July.

The experienced climber embarked on the solo climb after taking part in a four-man expedition to the 25,863ft (7,833m) Distaghil Sar North Ridge, which the group failed to summit.

He was due to return four days later but has not been seen since.

Two colleagues from the Distaghil expedition are helping in the search for Mr Cheek.

The area is described as having dangerous terrain which is difficult to search on foot.