Michael Mosley search shifts focus as police stop looking in one area amid new clues

Police have called off the search in the waters around Symi for Dr Michael Mosley and are now concentrating their efforts on the land between two key towns on the island. Symi's mayor, Papakalodoukas Lefterios, revealed that search and rescue teams have shifted their focus to a two-kilometre stretch of land between Pedi and Gialos after ceasing water searches.

He told The Mirror: "They have not yet found anything - it is a mystery this disappearance. The police of Simi, the Coast Guard and forces from Athens, including police and criminal investigators, are working non-stop and will be working non-stop till they find any clue.

"I very much doubt there is a criminal aspect in this case. At least as far the local community is concerned. I very much doubt that any of the inhabitants of the island has acted in that way."

Read more Michael Mosley missing - 6 theories as to what's happened to missing TV doctor

Additionally, he stated: "I do believe however, the elder man walking on his own without a phone in an unknown island and 35C of heat could lead to many conclusions", reports the Mirror.

"He could have had unknown health issues triggered by the heat and he could've wandered through unknown paths and had an accident. Had he followed the right path I believe that everything would have been okay".

The hunt for the well-known TV figure is now into its third day. Helicopters, drones, dogs, and numerous emergency service personnel are currently scouring the area of the Dodecanese Island where he was last spotted.

Local authorities were alerted to the disappearance of the 67 year old Brit on Wednesday. The Fire Brigade, assisted by the Hellenic Police, Civil Protection (a local and regional coordination agency), volunteers and a police dog, are conducting a search for Dr Mosley, utilising drones to aid in their effort.

In an additional twist, Symi is experiencing a heatwave, with temperatures predicted to soar to 48C. A yellow alert for extreme high temperature has been issued from 1pm local time today (11am BST) running until 7pm (5pm BST).

Fire services responded to a police request on Thursday at about 11.15am for assistance in the search. They dispatched six firefighters, a vehicle and a drone team from the nearby island of Rhodes, who arrived in Symi at approximately 2pm.

Dr Mosley's disappearance was confirmed yesterday by his agent during an interview with the Mirror, stating they were "extremely worried". His wife, Dr Clare Bailey, contacted the emergency services after her husband went missing during a coastal walk on Wednesday around St Nicholas Beach.