New focus in search for Briton missing in Peru after 'sighting by local'

Updated

A British tourist missing in Peru for more than a week has been seen by a local, a charity has said.

Harry Greaves was visiting friends in the South American country but went missing on April 7 after planning to spend the day by himself on a mountain.

His friends expected to see him back on April 10, the day after his 29th birthday, but he did not return.

A spokesman for the Lucie Blackman Trust, which is helping the family in its search effort, said furniture maker Mr Greaves was spotted by a local after April 7.

He told the Press Association: "Overnight we believe that there is a local who has sighted Harry more recently than the last sighting of him - he was heading towards Pisac.

"That is where the search effort is now being concentrated."

Asked if the sighting had been confirmed, he said: "It is as confirmed as it can be. It was a local who came forward to friends over there and said this happened."

Concern has been growing for Mr Greaves, and his friends and family have searching the area by land and helicopter in a bid to find him.

The Lucie Blackman Trust said it is having a meeting with the family later on Tuesday and will discuss the possibility of bringing in drones.

A crowdfunding page has raised nearly £21,000 to pay for the search.

A message on the site stated: "Harry is one of the most loveliest men you could ever wish to meet and be friends with.

"He is an extremely genuine and caring person who acts from his heart and with pure integrity.

"He cares for people and he cares for our Earth."

But it stressed there is "only a small handful of dedicated rescuers" working in the area, and they have received "no real support from any government organisation, the British embassy, foreign office, Peruvian municipality and police forces".

Mr Greaves, who is from near Oswestry, Shropshire, flew to Peru on February 20 and was visiting friends in Pisac, near Coscou.

He attended a permaculture course before heading into the jungle with a group, and sent two "happy" emails home and "seemed to be enjoying his time there", the trust said.

His family have said it is very out of character for him to go missing, and concerns are growing for his welfare.

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