Search widens for family

The family have gone missing from Rhyl

The search for a mother and her four young children who went missing from Rhyl in north Wales more than a fortnight ago is being widened.

Police say there is nothing to suggest that 32-year-old Nicola Lappin and her children have been abducted.

Ms Lappin and her three boys and a girl, who are aged between four and 11, were last seen on 4 June.

Ever since officers investigating the disappearance have made attempts to contact them, including trying text messaging.

Police have also been in contact with Ms Lappin's relatives and friends, and set up a ring-around system in case she calls them.

We want to trace her and establish her well being

Inspector Daniel Moss

However, officers say they have exhausted their inquiries in Rhyl and now believe the family might have moved to Manchester.

Inspector Daniel Moss, who is leading the inquiry into the disappearance, said the Manchester link was a "definite lead".

"We want to trace her and establish her well being," he said.

"The fact she has gone away without telling anyone and there is no information is a concern.

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"We need more information to do any kind of assessment. When we have spoken to her we can offer her support."

Inspector Moss said social services were involved, but he did not know if Ms Lappin has a partner.

A North Wales Police spokesman said there was nothing to suggest the family had been abducted.

Anyone with information about Ms Lappin's whereabouts is asked to contact police on 0845 6071002.