A leading British lawyer is believed to have died in the Seychelles after going missing during a hike in the woods.
Peter Clement was last seen walking alone on the challenging Grande Barbe trail on Silhouette Island on May 15, according to local media.
The 57-year-old was believed to be on vacation to celebrate his retirement and all of his personal belongings and travel documents were found in his hotel room.
Seychelles police said an “expedited” search had been carried out on land and at sea for weeks, including the use of drones and helicopters.
Local newspaper Le Seychellois said “in an unusual move” just days after Mr Clement disappeared, police admitted hopes of finding the British alive had “dipped” due to persistent bad weather.
It is reported that there is still no trace of the lawyer and that he is presumed dead.
Mr Clement’s former rooms, 2 Harcourt Buildings, said in a statement: “We are deeply shocked and saddened to announce the passing of our dear friend, colleague and former department head, Peter Clement .
“He recently retired after an illustrious career at the crime bar, practicing at 2 Harcourt Buildings for over 30 years.
“Prior to joining the chambers, he was a captain in the lawful army and served in Northern Ireland.
“He was loved and respected by everyone in his room as well as among his many friends at the crime bar.
“He will be deeply missed.”
Matthew Scott, an attorney at Pump Court Chambers, paid tribute to Mr Clement, calling him a “good advocate” and “a man who could not be disliked”.
Edward Henry QC, from Mountford Chambers, tweeted: “Peter is so gentle, kind, humble, incredibly humble (in his own judgment of his talent) and absolutely brilliant.
“He will be missed, with a painful feeling of loss and incomprehensible why this has happened to him, by all those who loved and admired him. Dear RIP Peter. “
A Foreign Office spokeswoman told Sky News: “We are assisting the family of a British man missing in the Seychelles and are in contact with local authorities.”
