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Eli Sweeting: New Zealand police 'pause' search for missing hiker Eli Sweeting: New Zealand police 'pause' search for missing hiker
(about 7 hours later)
Eli Sweeting was reported missing after failing to return from a solo hikeEli Sweeting was reported missing after failing to return from a solo hike
Search efforts for a British hiker who has been missing for more than a week in New Zealand have been "paused", police have said.Search efforts for a British hiker who has been missing for more than a week in New Zealand have been "paused", police have said.
Eli Sweeting, 25, who is originally from Bristol, was reported missing on 4 May after failing to return from a solo hike up Mitre Peak, a steep mountain on the country's South Island.Eli Sweeting, 25, who is originally from Bristol, was reported missing on 4 May after failing to return from a solo hike up Mitre Peak, a steep mountain on the country's South Island.
A large-scale search was launched with teams of local volunteers alongside helicopters and search dogs, and some of his family flying out to help.A large-scale search was launched with teams of local volunteers alongside helicopters and search dogs, and some of his family flying out to help.
But on Monday afternoon, local time, Insp Matt Scoles, acting commander for the district, said police had made the "difficult decision" to pause search efforts.But on Monday afternoon, local time, Insp Matt Scoles, acting commander for the district, said police had made the "difficult decision" to pause search efforts.
"We have been supporting the tramper's [hiker's] family and we know this is difficult news for them to hear at what has been an incredibly distressing time," he said."We have been supporting the tramper's [hiker's] family and we know this is difficult news for them to hear at what has been an incredibly distressing time," he said.
"While the search has now been paused, we will be reviewing our efforts and looking to see if there is anything further we can do.""While the search has now been paused, we will be reviewing our efforts and looking to see if there is anything further we can do."
Police described the terrain around Mitre Peak as "extremely dangerous"Police described the terrain around Mitre Peak as "extremely dangerous"
In a fundraising post, Mr Sweeting's sister, Serena Sweeting, said he was an "experienced climber" who had "hiked in this terrain many times".In a fundraising post, Mr Sweeting's sister, Serena Sweeting, said he was an "experienced climber" who had "hiked in this terrain many times".
She added: "Eli is one of the kindest, most compassionate people in my life, and he has always been there for me.
"He inspires me to live and get out of my comfort zone, as well as listens and genuinely wants to know you and your story."
Insp Coles said the Milford Sound area, where the search had been focused, was "extremely dangerous and challenging terrain".Insp Coles said the Milford Sound area, where the search had been focused, was "extremely dangerous and challenging terrain".
"We have focussed on searching the route used by climbers as well as an aerial search of the entire area using two helicopters and thermal imagery. Additionally a drone has also been deployed," he said."We have focussed on searching the route used by climbers as well as an aerial search of the entire area using two helicopters and thermal imagery. Additionally a drone has also been deployed," he said.
The search party had focused on a route heading down the mountain after spotting a light there, but the dense forest created issues with detecting movement.The search party had focused on a route heading down the mountain after spotting a light there, but the dense forest created issues with detecting movement.
Police remain in frequent contact with the family, Insp Coles added.Police remain in frequent contact with the family, Insp Coles added.
A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said it is in contact with local authorities in New Zealand.
Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.