A MISSION to recover five bodies spotted in the Himalayas has been called off after a rescue helicopter was unable to reach the area.

Scientist Dr Richard Payne is among eight climbers missing in the Nanda Devi region of the Himalayas, a spokesperson for the University of York, where he works as a lecturer, confirmed.

On Monday, five bodies were spotted by Indian air force pilots who were searching for the eight climbers.

An operation to retrieve the five bodies was called off today (June 5) and officials are now reconsidering plans.

The missing group - thought to be four Britons, two Americans, one Australian and an Indian liaison officer - disappeared on May 26 in the Nanda Devi region of the Himalayas.

The team went missing on Nanda Devi in Uttarakhand, India, the country’s second highest peak.

They were led by Martin Moran, who is originally from Tyneside.

Four other British members of the expedition have been rescued.

Officials had devised a plan to use helicopters and a ground team to retrieve the bodies, spotted at an altitude of 16,404ft (5,000m), and to search for the three other mountaineers.

However, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, who are responsible for rescues in the range where the peaks are located, called off the operation because of the high elevation, which a helicopter was unable to reach after three attempts, spokesman Vivek Pandey said.

He said the rescue team returned to the town of Pithoragarh this afternoon to reconsider its strategy.

A University of York spokesperson said: "Everyone at the University of York is enormously saddened by the latest reports coming from the authorities in the Indian Himalayas. 

"We are desperately hoping for positive news from the region, but are waiting for further updates. Richard is held in the highest regard by staff and students across the university and our thoughts remain with Richard's family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time."