Ground search for cop, teen suspended

A ground search for a policeman who spent a cold night helping a stranded teenage bush walker has been called off for the night.

Wild weather and tough terrain have been hampering the effort to rescue the 18-year-old and the policeman who went to find the lost youth.

The search was suspended late Sunday after crews deemed it unsafe to continue, meaning the policeman may be in for a second cold night with the teen.

Although crews could hear what they believe was the pair, tough terrain was a hurdle, police said.

SES volunteers will return to the area Monday morning, but a police helicopter is on standby to launch an air search if weather permits.

The search for the youth began Saturday afternoon after an emergency beacon was activated in the Stirling Ranges National Park.

The teen was bushwalking near Bluff Knoll but become disoriented and did not have any food or water with him.

A rescue helicopter was sent, but forced to return to Perth due to foul weather.

Instead, a police helicopter was sent out and a tactical flight officer was lowered to the ground to make his way to the lost youth.

It was too risky to conduct an emergency winch rescue, so the officer spent the night with the teen to ensure he was safe.