Images show how scenic path was turned into death trap by flood waters and challenge faced by rescuers

Pictures have been released that show the scale of the challenge facing rescuers searching for the missing dog walker. Brian Perry, 75, was reported missing on Saturday afternoon after last being seen on Gower Road that runs between Trefriw and Llanrwst.

It is normally a scenic path used by walkers, families and bikers. But the heavy rain from Storm Bert combined with snow and ice melt and a high tide saw it turned into a watery death trap.

The waters rose rapidly on Saturday afternoon and seemingly caught out the pensioner. The police, HM Coastguard helicopter, fire service teams, and volunteers from Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Team and NEWSAR were all tasked with searching the area.

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They faced treacherous conditions as darkness fell with real dangers for those involved. Despite this they spent hours trying to locate the man in the hope there would be a happy ending.

The search was abandoned late in the evening as belief faded he would be found alive. This morning they were back again, by now the expectation was that this was a recovery operation, barring a miracle

Today a body was found by a police diver in the vicinity of Gower Road as people's worst fears were confirmed.

Ogwen Valley MRT have shared pictures which show the conditions there today - with chest high waters on the normally safe path.

While it remained treacherous today this was after waters had partly subsided and the team had daylight to guide them - highlighting the immense difficulties everyone faced on the Saturday evening.

A spokesperson for Ogwen Valley MRT said: "The team was called out by @heddlugogleddcymru early on Saturday evening following reports of a man lost in the flood waters in Trefriw.

"Team swiftwater rescue technicians worked with colleagues from @northwalesfire and @welshambulanceservice and the @maritimecoastguard helicopter to search for the man.

"Unfortunately, after several hours in worsening conditions, the decision was taken to stand down until daylight. During the daylight search, the man was found by a police diver and recovered by the team. The thoughts of all involved are with the man's family and friends.

"We would like to thank the community of Trefriw for their support and kindness during the search, from offering their homes to sit in, and to @caffidotty for generously opening up and providing food and tea to the emergency services, diolch yn fawr." Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox