Searches centred on the fells surrounding Kettlewell. Photo: UWFRA

A major search continued on Wednesday for a missing walker in the Yorkshire Dales.

Police issued an updated picture of David McCartney, who told his family on Monday he was heading out to go walking in Wharfedale.

North Yorkshire Police officers were joined by volunteers from Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association, the Cave Rescue Organisation, Calder Valley Search and Rescue Team, Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team and the RAF Mountain Rescue Service.

Handlers and animals from Mountain Rescue Search Dogs England and a Coastguard helicopter also took part in the search, which has been centred on Kettlewell and surrounding fells, including Great Whernside. The missing man’s car was found in Kettlewell.

The 74-year-old from Keighley, West Yorkshire, was last seen at his home on Monday.

Missing walker David McCartney

North Yorkshire Police said Mr McCartney told his family he was heading on a walking expedition lasting four to five hours. He travelled to the Yorkshire Dales in his black Volvo 62-plate V60.

Officers said they are increasingly concerned for the man’s safety and appealed to members of the public for any sightings of Mr McCartney. A police spokesperson said: “David’s family have stated that he speaks with a stutter. This may be distinctive to anyone who has seen or spoken to him.

“David is described as wearing a blue cagoule, red trousers, an orange and brown striped scarf and he was carrying a red and black rucksack.”

A photograph issued by police today shows Mr McCartney in the jacket he was believed to wearing when he set out.

North Yorkshire Police said: “Please call 999 if you have an immediate sighting of someone matching David’s description. If you have any information that could assist us, please call us on 101, reference number NYP-18102021-0505.”