A DESPERATE search and rescue mission has been launched for two Brits missing since New Year’s Day after they went on a mountain hike.

Aziz Ziriat, 36, and Samuel Harris, 35, from London, were last heard and heard from a week ago, after sending messages home from the Italian Dolomites.

Fears for the pair grew after they missed their flight home on 6 January.

A mass search for the friends has encountered difficulties due to heavy snowfall in recent days, according to local authorities.

Rescue teams revealed the harsh weather has made reaching the area – where the friends were last seen or heard – increasingly difficult.

Authorities added that it was unusual for hikers in the area to go missing this time of year.

The pair were last known to be near a hut called Casina Dosson which is near the town Tione Di Trento, near Riva Del Garda, on Lake Garda.

Crystal Palace F.C. has appealed for information to help find the pair as one of the friends works for the club.

Aziz worked for the Premier League club’s Palace For Life charity.

A desperate post from Palace on X said: “A member of the Palace For Life staff and his friend have been missing since 1st January in the Dolomites.

“If anyone knows the area, is able to support further or has any information that will help, please call 999 and reference CAD 0197/07 Jan25.”

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