Major search for missing 80-year-old 'keen walker' last seen in Lancashire
Drones, search dogs and a helicopter are all being used in a major search for an 80-year-old man who went missing two days ago at one of his regular walking spots.Brian Fletcher drove from his home in Bury on Saturday afternoon and parked in a layby by the village of Tockholes, Lancashire Police said. Mountain rescue teams have joined the force searching the area by the Roddlesworth Reservoirs and parts of the West Pennine Moors.Officers are concerned for the welfare of the "keen walker" and birdwatcher, who regularly treks in the area, the force said.
Mr Fletcher is 5ft 8ins tall (176cm), with grey hair and a small scar on his cheek.He was believed to be wearing a brown cap, blue top and blue trousers, a police spokesman said. His car, a grey-coloured Citroen C4 was found parked in the layby on the A675, near to Tockholes Road.
Lancashire Police are leading the operation alongside Bolton, Rossendale & Pendle, and Bowland mountain rescue teams.Search dogs, a drone from the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and a coastguard helicopter have also been used in the search.
Bolton Mountain Rescue Service said police had asked for help at about 23:42 GMT on Saturday. About 16 rescuers searched overnight in "foggy, wet conditions, covering Darwen Moor, Roddlesworth Plantations, and Great Hill", he added.The search is now centred on parts of Darwen Moor, Withnell Moor and the Roddlesworth Plantations.
Officers have been seen combing fields on moors in the area as part of the search operation, which is based out of Crookfield car park. People who live in the Tockholes area have been asked to look out for the 80-year-old and contact the police "immediately" if they spot him.Anyone with information about Mr Fletcher's whereabouts is asked to contact Lancashire Police.
Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Daily Record
Therapy dog missing in Highlands for two weeks as owners continue 'relentless search'
Golden Retriever Louie is trained to alert the family when teen Ellie Lynn is about to have an epileptic seizure. The family of a support dog missing for two weeks has opened up on the 'relentless search' they've carried out for their beloved pet. Louie the two-year-old Golden Retriever is trained to let the family of teenager Elie Lynn know when she is about to have an epileptic seizure. Desperate, the family have left dirty clothing and food around the area to try to lure their pup to safety. The pooch is now much more than a help for the 17-year-old, becoming "a huge part" of the youngster's family, leaving them heartbroken at his absence. He has been missing since Monday, May 26, when he slipped free from his choker while walking up Glen Nevis, in Fort William. The family say they are absolutely desperate to bring him home. Despite regularly searching for him in the 16 days since he vanished, Louie is still missing. The family were given hope after hearing barking up the Glen on Sunday, June 8. Owner Louise Manson told the Record today: "It's been an absolute struggle. My 12-year-old daughter, Lara, has been out searching relentlessly with me. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. " Ellie has found the two weeks so hard, it would give her security and her companion back. Home isn't home without him, it would mean the absolute world for him to come home for all of us." A Facebook group, called Official search page for finding Louie, was set up to try and help track him down, with members of the public helping in the searches. Louise wrote on Monday: "Update, more barking has been heard yesterday, but it could be coming from anywhere. Which is a positive. We have been given other positive information which indicates he's 100% alive yesterday. "We were out again last night at steall falls until late. Clothes out, food has been left and a wildlife camera. In the hope we can narrow down his location and get him home. "We think with the falls being so busy, he's scared and in hiding during the day. We have been told, shouting his name may make him want to hide further away. So its a case of just seeing where he is and trying to tempt him. "We are confident we will get him home…it's just taking longer than hoped. Again thank you for help, messaging, searching and all your kind words. Its all helping so much at this time." Posting on the group previously, she wrote: "Just putting it out there. On Monday the 26th of May, if anyone was up Glen Nevis and steall falls. "Has anyone has taken Louie, out of good will thinking he was abandoned, a stray or injured or he followed you on a walk and has become your companion. Please return him. We will travel to collect. This has broken our hearts. "Our home isn't home without him. If you pm us no one will need to know. We just need him home. He was originally my daughters therapy dog for her epilepsy but has become a huge part of our wee family."
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
‘Serious crash' shuts major A-road in BOTH directions with rush-hour traffic snarling back for 15 miles
The A-road has been closed since for an investigation. SMASH CHAOS 'Serious crash' shuts major A-road in BOTH directions with rush-hour traffic snarling back for 15 miles Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MAJOR A-road has been shut off in both directions following a serious crash. The horror smash happened at about 2.20am between J13 (Thrapston) and J22 (Brampton) on the A12 in Cambridgeshire. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 The A14 has been closed for hours following a serious crash involving a car Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk Motorists driving on the main route connecting Kettering, Thrapston and Huntingdon have been hit with delays following the collision. The horror smash involved one car, according to National Highways. The A-road has been closed since for an investigation. Motorists were warned of 30-minute delays on approach as the rush hour gets underway, with rush-hour traffic snarling back for 15 miles. Local village roads could become congested as the A14 normally takes the brunt of traffic between Thrapston and Huntingdon. "Emergency services including Cambridgeshire Police are in attendance," National Highways said in a statement. "National Highways contractors will also be assisting with traffic management. "Due to the nature of the incident, the road is expected to be closed for a significant length of time, this is to allow for Police collision investigation works to take place." Cambridgeshire Constabulary said: "Please be aware of road closures on A14 between junctions to Catworth and Spaldwick in both directions, due to an ongoing incident. "Please find alternative routes." More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
Metro
3 hours ago
- Metro
Two houses destroyed and man injured in gas explosion
A man has been sent to hospital after a huge suspected gas explosion last night. The huge blast rocked Eden Street in Derby yesterday evening and caused major damage to two homes. Incredible drone pictures show roof tiles and bricks scattered, windows smashed, and several rooms at the rear of both properties exposed to the elements . One man was injured, but the extent of his injuries is not yet known, Derbyshire Police said. A police cordon is in place in Eden Street, London Road and Shardlow Road and officers are asking people to avoid the area. Got a story? Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ Or you can submit your videos and pictures here. For more stories like this, check our news page. Follow on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news updates. You can now also get articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here. MORE: Girl, nine, and father killed in West Yorkshire house fire while sister, 11, fights for life MORE: Mum wants to change the law after ex killed her dog in house fire MORE: Urgent recall for thousands of chainsaws after 20 fire and burn incidents
