A top British barrister is feared dead in the Seychelles after going missing on a jungle hike.

Peter Clement was last seen walking alone on the challenging Grande Barbe trail on Silhouette Island on 15 May, according to local media.

The 57-year-old was reportedly on holiday to celebrate his retirement and all his personal belongings and travel documents were found in his hotel room.

An “intensive” search was carried out over land and sea over several weeks, which included the use of a drone and a helicopter, Seychelles police said.

Local newspaper Le Seychellois said “in an unusual move” just days after Mr Clement disappeared, police admitted hope was “diminishing” of finding the Briton alive due to persistent bad weather.

It has been reported that there is still no trace of the barrister and he is presumed dead.

Mr Clement’s former chambers, 2 Harcourt Buildings, said in a statement: “It is with deep shock and sadness that we must announce the loss of our dear friend, colleague, and former head of chambers, Peter Clement.

“He had recently retired after an illustrious career at the criminal bar, practising from 2 Harcourt Buildings for over 30 years.

“Before joining chambers, he was a captain in the army legal service and served in Northern Ireland.

“He was much loved and respected by everyone in chambers and also amongst his many friends at the criminal bar.

“He will be deeply missed.”

Matthew Scott, a barrister at Pump Court Chambers, paid tribute to Mr Clement, calling him a “fine advocate” and “a man it was impossible not to like”.

Edward Henry QC, from Mountford Chambers, tweeted: “Peter was gentle, kind, unassuming, undeservedly modest (in his own estimation of his talent) and completely outstanding.

“He shall be missed, with that aching sense of loss and incomprehension as to why this befell him, by all who loved and admired him. RIP dear Peter.”

A Foreign Office spokeswoman told Sky News: “We are supporting the family of a British man missing in the Seychelles and are in contact with the local authorities.”

Related posts:

Woman ‘shouted for help but nobody was there’ as Manchester bomb victims waited for paramedics Met Police investigate officers and staff accessing Sarah Everard case files ‘Six voids’ found under cafe linked to serial killer Fred West and missing girl Women in Afghanistan can be educated up to university level, Taliban spokesman tells Sky News William reveals favourite Christmas film and song during chat to children having cancer treatment Man found guilty of murdering his two young children and partner UK records 3,201 new Omicron cases – almost double the rise reported yesterday British Army’s new ‘battle-winning’ Apache attack helicopters undergo test flights Pharmacies to offer obesity weight-loss scheme without referral from GP Ukraine beat Scotland to keep World Cup hopes alive in their first competitive match since war started World leaders pay tribute to Queen as celebrations marking her 70-year reign begin Who joined the Queen for the balcony moment, and which other royals watched on?