A search is under way for a Hull man who has been reported missing while on holiday in northern Italy.
Matthew Hall, 33, was last seen on Tuesday, July 9, when he left his accommodation in Chiavenna and went for a hike. He was supposed to fly home on Saturday, July 12, but has not made contact with his family since sending a photo last Tuesday, leaving friends and relatives concerned.
His mother Sara Foster, 62, has been waiting at home for news of Matthew, receiving updates from Italian authorities – and she says she has been “blown sideways” by the support she has received from her son’s pals. A group of Matthew’s friends have also flown out to Italy to join the search teams, who have analysed the last photo he sent to pinpoint its location.
Meanwhile, she says Matthew’s employers – Quickline in Hull – are also sending six staff members out to join the hunt for Matthew.
Sara Foster, who works for elderly care firm Home Instead, said: “I feel like I’m living someone else’s nightmare but I’ve just been blown sideways by all of his friends. I didn’t know them all but I do now.
“The way that they have just leapt into action has been unbelievable, it really has. I obviously realise that he’s very loved. I got a message from the search team this morning – there are apparently five teams who are out looking for him.
“They were just heading out after pin pointing from a photo he sent to a friend on Tuesday afternoon, and it was a picture of a cross. There’s a lot of crosses but they know which one it is, so that is their starting point and we’re in a better place today, we’re not working blind.
“I don’t know how many people are in each team but I do know that five of Matthew’s friends have flown out and are there now having arrived last night, so they are going to help. And then Quickline, where Matthew works, are sending six of their staff. And then with Facebook, people are just joining in.
“I am so grateful to everyone, it’s unbelievable. That’s given us some hope – and he’s fit, he’s resourceful, so that’s what’s keeping me positive. He’s well travelled, and a solo traveller. He’s a walker and has all the gear.”
She added: “We just need to find him and bring him home to safety.”
In an appeal published in Italian media, Matthew is described as approximately 178 cm tall, of medium build, with brown hair. He had a black backpack but it is not known what he was wearing on the day he disappeared.
He had been staying at B&B Ploncher in Chiavenna. The police in Italy believe he may have headed toward Savogno or Dasile from Borgonuovo, or toward Pianazzola, Daloo, or Lagunch from Chiavenna.
A missing person report has been filed and the search is being coordinated by Lieutenant De Masi. Anyone with useful information or sightings is urged to contact Lieutenant De Masi on +39 331 361 9285.
Hull Live contacted the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office for comment. An FCDO spokesperson said: “We are supporting the family of a British national missing in Italy.”