James Lonsdale

Police have named the man whose body was found on the slopes of Great Gable yesterday.

James Lonsdale, 53, of Selby, North Yorkshire, was found by a member of the public in a gill on the mountainside as a major search was taking place involving seven mountain rescue teams.

Mr Lonsdale left home the previous day to head out for a walk on Scafell Pike.

When he failed to return, a huge operation involving a search of the Scafell range, upper Eskdale and the Great Gable area began and continued overnight from Tuesday into Wednesday. His car was discovered at Wasdale Head.

His body was found about 1pm.

A Cumbria Constabulary spokesperson said: “Police are not treating this as suspicious circumstances and are continuing enquiries on behalf of the coroner.

“Mr Lonsdale’s family have been informed.

“Police would like to thank everyone for their efforts in searching for Mr Lonsdale.”