Tributes for 'much-loved' grandfather, 75, who died during Storm Bert 

by · Mail Online

The family of a dog walker who died after being swept away by a swollen river during Storm Bert have paid tribute to the 'much loved' grandfather.

Brian Perry sparked a huge search when he went missing close to the River Conwy in North Wales while on a walk with his wife and pet dog on Saturday.

The 75-year-old's body was found the next day near Trefriw, after heavy rain and violent winds wracked the nation.

His heartbroken family said: 'We would like to thank North Wales Police and the rescue services for all their efforts, in extremely challenging conditions, to find our much loved husband, father, brother and grandfather, Brian, who was also held in great affection by his extended family and many friends.

'There are no words to describe our feeling of loss but he will be truly loved every day.'

North Wales Police joined efforts with a HM Coastguard helicopter, fire service teams, volunteers from Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Team, and NEWSAR to find Mr Perry.

They appealed for help from locals, after he was last seen at around 4.30pm wearing a red Berghaus waterproof jacket.

The fire service rushed water rescue specialist teams to the scene, where they were joined by police, the ambulance service and a Coastguard helicopter.

Brian Perry sparked a huge search when he went missing close to the River Conwy in North Wales while on a walk with his wife and pet dog on Saturday
Police appealed for witnesses to come forward after a 34-year-old man died in Shipley, West Yorkshire when his blue Renault Captur smashed into a wall
Rough seas near the Tynemouth Pier lighthouse on the River Tyne on Friday morning 
A bus had run off the road on the A70 as Storm Bert bit near Lugar in East Ayrshire
Firefighters work to pump water away from flooded residential streets near Moat Park in Dundonald on the outskirts of Belfast on Saturday

His dog was safely located, but searches had to be abandoned after maps showing the route of the helicopter, which was fitted with thermal imaging cameras, saw it tracking the river close to the Welsh town.

The family continue to be supported by specialist officers. 

Chief Inspector Simon Kneale, of North Wales Police, added: 'I would like to thank the efforts of all agencies involved in the searches in very difficult conditions and for the local community who supported the teams in the area.

'Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time and they have asked that their privacy is respected.'

More than 250 flood alerts or warnings still remain in place today following 82mph Storm Bert last weekend – including 147 alerts and 99 warnings for England from the Environment Agency, plus four alerts and four warnings across Wales. 

At least five lives were claimed by Bert, including a man in his 80s who died after his car entered water at a ford in Colne, Lancashire, on Saturday. 

Communities are continuing a 'massive clean-up', with residents in some affected areas saying they do not believe the chaos will be cleared by Christmas.