Ben Cheek, 28, from Manchester, was scaling a peak in the Shimsal mountain area of northern Pakistan, the Foreign Office said.

A spokesman said: "We are in touch with his next of kin and the authorities in Pakistan and are providing consular assistance to the family."

Rescue teams in the area are sending out out a helicopter to look for Mr Cheek.

According to the BBC, he tried to climb the Shimshal Whitehorn peak alone on July 11, but failed to return as planned four days later.

His brother Tom, 33, told the broadcaster: "Ben has six years experience as a climber, but obviously we're extremely concerned for his safety."