POLICE and search and rescue teams from Devon and Cornwall joined a four-hour search for a man who had become lost on Bodmin Moor.

The man called the emergency services on the morning of January 27 to say he had been walking his dog and was now lost due to the thick mist and poor visibility. Before his location could be ascertained his phone ran out of power and he could not be contacted.

The initial investigation identified two possible locations on Bodmin Moor, a significant distance apart, and police officers were deployed to both areas to try to find the male’s car.

After the car was located, the search then focused on the Rough Tor area, where the East Cornwall Search and Rescue and Mountain Rescue dog teams were deployed.

At 3pm with fading light and the male not having been located, assistance was requested from West Cornwall Search and Rescue and the Dartmoor Rescue Group.

At 3.48pm, a call was received from the male stating he had found his way to St Breward and was safe and well.

“The man lives in the Bodmin area and he stated he was taking his daily exercise,” said a Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson. “He had made a journey of 13 miles to do so despite there being plenty of alternatives that were closer.”

Police said they considered issuing a fixed penalty ticket for breach of coronavirus regulations. However, the man has paid the equivalent amount as a donation towards the work of the volunteers from Cornwall Search and Rescue to whom he is very appreciative.

“This highlights another reason why the advice is to stay local,” said the police. “You may inadvertently become involved in an incident that places others at risk. In this case numerous responders had to attend to search for him.”