Adopted girls faced US abduction

Adoption procedures in Oregon took eight months

A couple who feared their three granddaughters may be abducted by American anarchists have adopted them and brought them back to the UK.

Philip and Linda Medland from North Cornwall decided to act after authorities in the United States warned them that the children were at risk.

The youngsters - children of Mrs Medland's daughter Ruth Christine - had been in the care of social workers in America.

US officials granted the adoption after hearing the children's safety and welfare would best be served by moving them to Britain.

Kidnap charges

Mrs Christine and her husband Brian currently face kidnap charges in the United States.

The Medland family claim their daughter has been "brainwashed" by members of the anarchist group which opposes the American government.

Because of this, the couple decided to ask authorities in Oregon to place the children in their care.

The adoption procedures took eight months to complete but a state court found in favour of Mr and Mrs Medland.

They now have custody of their granddaughters Bethany, Lydia and Miriam, who are aged six, five and three respectively.

They are now living at the couple's farm near Launceston in North Cornwall.