Search underway for missing Swedish hiker

A search is underway on a Kerry mountain range for a Swedish man who failed to return from a hiking trip, it emerged today.

The 22-year-old set out from Kilgarvan to hike on the McGillycuddy Reeks early on Tuesday morning and was expected back late yesterday evening.

Local gardaí and the Kerry Mountain Rescue team were alerted last night and a search covering more than 100km of the Reeks began at 8am this morning.

He set out to climb a 25km route across the range early on Tuesday and planned to use his mobile phone to stay in contact with relatives.

The man had arranged to send text messages to his family who were staying nearby but nothing has been heard since he failed to return.

A helicopter has been called in to assist the search operation.