A team of Destination Truth producers searching for the Yeti in Nepal have found footprints that match descriptions of the legendary creature, they have said.

Nine people from the Sci-Fi channel show have been in the country's Khumbu region with specialist equipment searching for the abominable snowman.

They have found three prints 2,850m above sea level on the banks of the Manju river, which they say are a foot long and correlate with sketches of the animal.

Team member Josh Gates spoke in Kathmandu after returning from the expedition. He said of the prints' shape: "It is very, very similar [to Yeti descriptions]. I don't believe it to be a bear. It is something of a mystery for us."

He said the prints in sandy soil were "relatively fresh left, some 24 hours before we found them." Gates added: "This print is so pristine, so good, that I am very intrigued by this."

He said details would be sent to US experts for analysis and that the find would lead to further investigation.