US authorities say they want to “bring closure” to the family of missing British actor Julian Sands.

It is more than five weeks since the 65-year-old was reported missing in the Mount Baldy area of the San Gabriel mountains in California.

He had failed to return from a hike and his hiking partner Kevin Ryan said at the time that it was obvious “something has gone wrong”.

Since then, there have been a number of searches, on foot and from the air, with state and federal agencies involved.

The most recent search was on Saturday, with more than 20 members of the Fontana Sheriff’s Station and West Valley Search and Rescue.

A spokesperson for the San Bernardino sheriff’s department said: “The crew members focused on the area where the California Highway Patrol’s Recco device hit on a possible electronic device on 25 January.

“Unfortunately, nothing was found that would lead to the discovery of Mr Sands.

“With the imminent storm approaching, ground searches for Mr Sands will be delayed for some time.

“Our goal is to bring closure to the family of Mr Sands and when we can, we will try this again.”

Read more:
Outcome of search ‘may not be what we would like’, say police
‘Something has gone wrong,’ says friend and hiking partner

Sands’ family has previously praised the “heroic” efforts of the searchers, also saying they have been “deeply touched” by the support they have received.

“Our heartfelt thanks to the compassionate members of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department who are coordinating the search for our beloved Julian, not least the heroic search teams … who are braving difficult conditions on the ground and in the air to bring Julian home,” the statement read.

“We are deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support.”

Sands was born in Yorkshire and moved to Los Angeles in 2020.

He starred in films such as Warlock, Room With A View and Leaving Las Vegas, along with roles on TV programmes Smallville and 24.