Search launched for dog walker after darkness falls over remote part of Northumberland

A search which brought together rescue teams and the police helicopter was launched after a dog walker failed to return home as the night drew in.
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The Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team and North Tyne Mountain Rescue were called to the Harthope Valley near Wooler after the walker and his dog were reported overdue just after 9pm on Sunday, April 11.

As efforts got underway, others offer help to support the walker’s friends, who had travelled to the area to help in the search.

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A spokesperson for the Northumberland team said: “Working alongside Northumbria Police, our tactical command were able to identify the last known point of the walker.

A photo shared by the Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team following the call out to the Harthope Valley.A photo shared by the Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team following the call out to the Harthope Valley.
A photo shared by the Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team following the call out to the Harthope Valley.
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“Earlier in the evening the walker was known to be in the Blackseat Hill area close to Scald Hill and his vehicle was also located at the entrance to the Harthope Valley.

“A hasty team was swiftly deployed to search the Hawsen Burn and up to Blackseat Hill before descending the New Burn.

“Our Toyota Hilux was also deployed to drive the main 4x4 track back over the moor from the Hawsen Burn below Cold Law to the Carey Burn Bridge.

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“The National Police Air Service was requested to overfly the last known point and likely routes back towards the male’s vehicle.

“Meanwhile a more detailed search strategy and plan was being developed ahead of other members arriving at the rendezvous point.

“A further three search groups, a Mountain Rescue Search Dogs England team and a Landrover were deployed to search prioritised routes.

“In the early hours of Monday morning with the search ongoing, the police received a message that the missing walker had thankfully found their way safely off the hill into the College Valley.

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“It would seem they became disoriented in the area of Blackseat Hill and Broadhope Hill and headed away from rather than towards the end of their intended route.

“A police van was dispatched to collect the walker from Goldscleugh cottage and once confirmed that the walker was safe and well, the teams stood down.

“A good outcome for all concerned.”

The teams added thanks to the couple who supported the walker’s friends who offered assistance and provided food for dog.

The incident involved 16 rescue team volunteers and took more than six hours to come to a close.

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