Mother's plea to missing daughter

Natalie Bracht and her daughters, aged between five and 13

A German woman missing with her five daughters was facing losing them for a second time, her mother has revealed.

Natalie Bracht, who has a personality disorder, fled her home in Sunderland six months ago just before her children were to have been taken into care.

Her mother Heidrun Brown has revealed the 35-year-old also left Germany two years ago when she found out her children were to be taken from her.

Ms Brown said her daughter was a "good mother" and urged her to come forward.

Ms Brown, of Lage in northern Germany, said: "She is a good mother and she teaches her children well.

'Very confused'

"I haven't seen her for nearly five years, but when I saw her the last time she was okay and the children were happy.

"It would be better if she came forward - the children I imagine must be very confused.

"She is welcome to come here with the children - we love them still."

A High Court Order has been issued, allowing the girls, aged between five and 13, to be identified.

Northumbria Police said the search for them was being conducted nationwide.

It focused on the North East and then London, before Ms Bracht was traced to a community near Yeovil, Somerset, at the end of June.

Det Ch Insp Ian Bentham, who is leading the search, said: "After so much time now, we all want to know if they're safe and well."

The girls are: Manjuh Vossing, 13; Naomi Joy Sharan Vossing, 12; Indira Zoe Pirijo Bracht, 10; Naima Sina Isis Marjaleena Anutosch Bracht, nine; and five-year-old Margo Noemi Elinour Chrisanty Bracht.