A man from the Ipswich area has died in an avalanche while climbing in the Scottish Highlands.

He was one of two men from Suffolk who were reported missing on Friday night after they failed to return from a climb on Coireag Dubh Mor in the Torridon area of the western Highlands.

Mountain rescue teams and the Stornoway coastguard helicopter searched for the pair that night but were forced to call it off because the weather was so bad.

The search resumed Saturday afternoon and one of the climbers was found walking out to find assistance for the other man.

The two climbers had been caught up in an avalanche, police said.

The mountain rescue team found the other man but he had already died. He is believed to be a married man in his 40s and is understood to have children.

Police Scotland confirmed that both men, who have not been named, were visiting from the Ipswich area, and said they were experienced winter climbers with proper equipment.

A report is being submitted to the procurator fiscal.

A Suffolk Constabulary spokesman said they have not been requested by Police Scotland to become involved in the incident.

Heavy snow and strong winds have been persistent in the Highlands over the last month.

In 2012, the last full year for which figures are available, rescue teams helped 720 people with 240 injured and 25 fatalities in Scotland’s mountains.

Advice was issued earlier this year to walkers, climbers and skiers.

Mark Diggins, from the Sportscotland Avalanche Information Service, said: “Many thousands of enthusiasts enjoy the Scottish mountains every winter.

“However, the fast-changing weather, with its snowfall, avalanche hazard, strong winds and poor visibility, requires us to be much more prepared when going into the mountains in the winter.

“Good clothing, navigational ability, appropriate equipment, movement skills on steep terrain and use of ice axe and crampons are a necessary requirement for our enjoyment and safety.”

Police Scotland have named the victim as Max Norman, of Pin Mill. See tributes from his family here