A major search was launched to find three hikers who had become lost on Saddleworth Moor. Police had to call out a specialist rescue team to locate the hikers on Tuesday evening (December 20).
The trio had become lost in the dark while trying to walk the 'Trinnacle Trail', near Dovestones Edge. Greater Manchester Police were able to establish a general location, but the Oldham Mountain Rescue Team received an urgent alert.
The three casualties were found after they spotted the lights of the rescue team and started moving in their direction, but were left above a steep and dangerous part of the banking, near Middle Edge Moss.
They were given clothes and torches before being guided to safety. Fifteen members of the search team were involved for just over two hours.
The Oldham Mountain Rescue Team said: "At tea time on Tuesday, we received an alert from Greater Manchester Police requesting assistance with the location of three hikers who had become lost on Saddleworth Moor while attempting to walk the 'Trinnacle Trail'.
"GMP were able to establish their general location as Middle Edge Moss, so we sent a fast party in that direction while the rest of the team assembled in case a wider search was needed. The three casualties were found shortly afterwards as they had spotted our lights heading up the clough and had starting moving in our direction, although this had put them in a precarious position above a steep section of the banking.
"After a quick check established that they were cold but uninjured, we gave them clothing and torches before guiding them back down Birchen Clough to our vehicles, then to base for a more thorough check and a warming brew."
The rescue team went on to remind those venturing out to the hills to carry basic kit, including a map, compass, torch, charged phone and warm clothing. For anyone getting into difficulty, they should dial 999 before asking for police, then mountain rescue teams.
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