Mother's third Christmas without son

Belinda Chapman-Serce cannot afford to search further

A British mother whose son was taken to Turkey by his father nearly three years ago remains hopeful she will see him again.

Belinda Chapman-Serce, from Syston in Leicestershire, has now returned from a two-week search in Istanbul because she ran out of money.

She told the BBC her return may help police locate six-year-old Cihan, who went missing with his father Salih.

"I believe that my ex-husband Salih, once he knows I am back in Leicestershire he may come out of hiding and the police hopefully will be able to locate him again."

Cihan is now six years old

Ms Chapman-Serce said it was difficult being apart from her son.

"Arriving back in London to see Christmas trees again, it just brings it all back.

"It's the third Christmas without my son."

A court in Turkey has ruled Cihan should be handed to Ms Chapman-Serce, but the pair then disappeared.

It is still possible Mr Serce could appeal against the court's decision.

Local police have been in contact with the father via mobile phone, but have not yet been able to track him down.

The boy has not been seen at either of his father's two addresses in Istanbul.