LIVES were put at risk last night when hoaxers reported that a 19-year-old man was missing in a snow- storm on a Gwent mountain.

Mountain rescue volunteers and police searched for hours in atrocious conditions on the Blorenge, near Abergavenny.

The police helicopter was joined by one from RAF Chivenor to help in the hunt until deteriorating conditions forced them back to their bases.

The large air and land search was launched at about 6.30pm after it was reported that a teenager had become separated from his friends while out walking. It was claimed he was not equipped for the freezing conditions.

But further inquiries by the police, after the search was called off at about 9.30pm, revealed that it had been a hoax.

Now officers and community leaders have slammed the irresponsibility of triggering such a major operation.

"It was a ridiculous thing to do," said Inspector Chris Morgan, of Gwent Police. "The conditions weren't very good and there were volunteers out looking for him. Obviously there was a substantial risk to 30-plus people who were out searching. Time and money were wasted."

Councillor Bob Wilcox, representing the Crucorney ward, near Abergavenny, said: "I think it is disgusting that somebody should do something like this, especially on a night like last night when it was snowing."

He said that not only were the hoaxers wasting people's time, but they were putting other people's lives at risk.

Councillor Wilcox said: "Just imagine if there had been a real emergency somewhere else."

He added: "It is unbelievable. What enjoyment people get from such things I do not know."

Two youths were later arrested in connection with the incident and are being questioned by Gwent Police.