*UPDATE* Fatal mountaineering accident on Dent du Geant

Further to our report on Monday regarding the tragic climbing accident on the Dent du Geant, various news sources have reported that the victims were a 38 year old man and a 20 year old woman.

Their names have not yet been released but their families have been informed.

The man is thought to have been an experienced climber and the cause of the accident is not yet known, although avalanches and rock falls have been ruled out and the weather on Monday was fine.

The bodies were recovered by helicopter shortly after nearby climbers reported hearing screams at around 10.30am on Monday. The couple had fallen around 300m.

The Dent du Geant is not considered to be a particularly difficult ascent but the route is exposed and takes a full day, so climbers need to be prepared and experienced before attempting it. Climbers who lack experience or knowledge of the area should always engage the services of a high mountain guide.