Inquest opened on Snowdon death

Rescuers say only the experienced and well-equipped should tackle Snowdon

An inquest has been opened and adjourned into the death of a 70-year-old man who was found dead on Snowdon - the fourth fatality within 10 days.

The body of Brian William Middleton from Halifax, West Yorkshire, was found by rescuers on Wednesday afternoon after he was reported missing.

The North West Wales Coroner adjourned the inquest to a later date.

Two brothers from the south west of England and another man have also died on the mountain this month.

Mr Middleton was last seen on Tuesday and an RAF helicopter and mountain rescue teams were involved in the search.

Also on Wednesday, the helicopter rescued two ice climbers stranded in Snowdonia, just days after police urged inexperienced walkers to stay away.

Mobile phone

A married couple called police on their mobile phone shortly before midnight from a spot called the Devil's Kitchen.

They were flown to safety on what was RAF Valley's 8,000th search and rescue flight.

On 2 February, the bodies of Christopher McCallion, 29, from Bristol, and brother James, 35, of Weston-Super-Mare were discovered at Clogwyn Coch on Snowdon after they went missing following a weekend trip.

Last Saturday, a man died and six people were rescued in Snowdonia. This prompted police and rescuers to warn inexperienced walkers to keep away from the area.