A body has been discovered in the search for a missing hiker in the Kerry mountains.

61-year-old Tipperary man John Dunne failed to return from a walk in the MacGillycuddy Reeks on Wednesday.

He was reported missing that night and the Kerry Mountain Rescue Team launched a major air and ground search with the support of the Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 117 as well as local drone and dog teams.

The search resumed again this morning; however, Gardai said a body was discovered shortly afterwards.

Investigators said the body will now be recovered from the mountains for formal identification.