POLICE and mountain rescue teams are searching for a Chester-based soldier missing in the French Alps.
Simon Daw was on holiday in the ski resort of Les Deux Alpes but disappeared shortly after midnight on Wednesday.
The 26-year-old is in the 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh and is based at the Dale Barracks.
Cardiff-born Mr Daw had been out drinking but his two friends alerted the police when he failed to return to the apartment they were sharing.
Helicopters have joined the search for Mr Daw, who is described as 5ft 9ins tall, slim and with short blonde hair.
He was wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt, beige jeans and black trainers on the night he went missing.
Police said he and his friends had not consumed an excessive amount of alcohol on the night of his disappearance.
A police spokesman said: “We were alerted to his disappearance at 7pm on Wednesday.
“His two friends had searched for him but when he had still not come back to their apartment by the evening they alerted the authorities.
“It is a mystery at the moment. We are searching on foot and from the air.”
Police said they were very concerned for Mr Daw as night-time temperatures have dipped to -15C.
Army spokesman Gavin O’Connor said: “We are aware a serving soldier has gone missing in France.
“His family have been informed and we're offering them the support they need at this time.”