The body of a mountaineer who disappeared 22 years ago on a snowy peak has been discovered.

American climber William Stampfl was reported missing in June 2002 after he was buried by an avalanche on the side of the Huascaran mountain in Peru, the AFP news agency reported.

Search and rescue efforts at the time for the 59-year-old were unable to find his body, which has been frozen for more than two decades.

His body – well preserved by the Peruvian ice – was discovered amid rising temperatures caused by global warming, police say.

Mr Stampfl’s body, which still had his clothes, harness and boots, was found alongside his possessions, which allowed police to identify him.

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Huascaran stands more than 6,700m (22,000ft) high and is part of the Cordillera Blanca range of the Andes.

The mountains are popular with climbers from all over the world – but can be perilous.

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