Newton Tor

Incident Type: search

At 22:09 on Sunday, Northumbria Police alerted ourselves and North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Team after a member of the public spotted flashing lights on the hills near Wooler and was concerned that someone might need help.

With no other information to explain the lights, a small response involving local volunteers was organised to investigate. Using a team 4×4 and searching on foot, our volunteers checked the area around Easter and Wester Tors, supported by a team member observing from the valley below.

Shortly before midnight, volunteers located people camping on Easter Tor, who confirmed they had been using powerful torches earlier in the evening. Thankfully, everyone was safe and well and no assistance was needed.

Having established the source of the lights, our volunteers stood down, returning to base just after 01:30.

Thank you to the member of the public for looking out for others, and to Lilburn Estates for their offer of support. A well-intentioned call and a reassuring end to a late night for our volunteers.