The family of Julian Sands have said that they are 'deeply touched' by the public support after the British actor went missing.

Sands's family praised the “heroic” efforts of Californian authorities conducting the search after he went missing on Friday, January 13.

The Smallville actor, 65, disappeared on the Friday evening but an avalanche risk meant ground crews were pulled off the mountain on Saturday evening.

Julian Sands family praise 'heroic' efforts of Californian authorities 

Clacton and Frinton Gazette: Julian Sands went missing on Friday, January 13 (PA)Julian Sands went missing on Friday, January 13 (PA) (Image: PA)

A statement shared by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office read: “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 listed below who are braving difficult conditions on the ground and in the air to bring Julian home.”

Various organisations involved in the search were listed in the statement as the family expressed that they were "deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support".

It comes after the National Weather Service reported high winds affecting the Santa Ana mountain region and San Bernandino - which is near the San Gabriel mountains where Sands is thought to have gone missing.

Sands - who was born in Otley, West Yorkshire - is best known for his film roles in productions such as The Killing Fields, A Room with a View, Arachnophobia, Leaving Las Vegas and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

He has also appeared in many TV shows, most notably as Vladimir Bierko in 24 and Jor-El in Smallville.

He has lived in Los Angeles since 2020 and most recently played a chief medical officer in Benediction.

From 1984 to 1987, he was married to journalist Sarah Sands, who has previously edited the Evening Standard and BBC Radio 4's Today programme.