THREAT of avalanches and increasingly hazardous weather conditions on Ben Nevis have forced mountain rescuers to suspend their search again for two missing Bradford climbers.

Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team reported no positive sightings from yesterday's search of gullies and ridges for Rachel Slater, 24, and Tim Newton, 27, who failed to return from an outing on the mountain last weekend.

A team of 26 mountain rescuers and one search dog as well as a drone were used in the operation hindered by gales, falling snow, risk of avalanches and limited visibility.

It could be tomorrow or Tuesday before they get back out again.

The couple's families are being kept informed.

Police Scotland has put out an appeal for anyone who might have seen the couple or has any other information at all, no matter how insignificant it may seem to be, to contact police on 101.

A police spokesman said: "There have been a number of reports from other climbers and hillwalkers of their own movements between Friday, February 14 and Sunday, February 16 and whilst not all of these reports will have been sightings of Tim and Rachel, this information does help to build a positive line of inquiry as to areas considered for future search operations."