Fresh sightings of missing hiker

Gareth's parents have renewed their appeal for information

The parents of a hiker missing in Nepal say they have received fresh sightings of their son.

Gareth Koch, 24, from Wantage, Oxfordshire, did not return from his holiday as expected on 20 March.

After a recent appeal for information a German couple contacted his parents to tell them they had seen him on 8 March, three days after the previous sighting.

He was at Chhukung in the Sagarmartha National Park heading towards Dingbouche when last seen.

Appeal renewed

His parents say his disappearance is totally out of character and they are growing concerned for his welfare.

The German couple say they had dinner with Gareth at Chhukung on 7 March and then saw him leave on the 8th heading towards Dingbouche or Namche Bazaar.

He was well and did not mention that he was thinking of staying in Nepal past his 20 March flight, they said.

His parents are renewing their appeal for information about any information about his whereabouts.