Snowdon walker faces disease fine

Wardens had sealed off Snowdon to contain the disease

A walker could be fined up to £5,000 for flouting rules designed to contain foot-and-mouth disease

The man had to be airlifted from Snowdon, in North Wales, on Saturday after venturing up the mountain despite warnings.

The 45-year-old, from Telford in the Midlands, began his trek late in the afternoon, after wardens and volunteers, put in place to man entrances to footpaths, had been withdrawn.

Police say they will be interviewing the man again and will send a file to Gwynedd's trading standards department.

Members of the Llanberis mountain rescue team spotted the walker's footprints in snow, but decided to call the helicopter from RAF Valley on Angelsey instead of walking over the ground themselves because of fears over foot-and-mouth.

The man is thought to have injured his neck or back and he spent the night in hospital at Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor.

Official warning

Local authorities across Wales have been cooperating with police to enforce the restrictions.

Officials fear the disease will be transmitted by foot

On Friday, officials from Snowdonia National Park Authority issued a notice stating anyone found on paths, pastures or agricultural land in the area would face a fine of £5,000.

The measure was introduced in an effort to contain the foot-and-mouth outbreak, preventing it from spreading to livestock grazing in the national park.

Police said it was not yet clear whether the man, who has not been identified, would be fined.

Weather brings walkers out

Meanwhile, walkers brought out by Sunday's sunny weather have intimidated countryside rangers, according to Caerphilly County Council.

A spokesperson said people who were ignoring advice not to enter restricted areas had been hostile toward the rangers and had pulled down warning signs.

Conwy council was also helping police gain evidence on violators.