Renewed appeal for missing family

Police have renewed an appeal for information on the whereabouts of a woman six months after she fled her home with her five daughters.

Natalie Bracht, 35, who suffers from a personality disorder, left Sunderland on 17 May when she found out that her children were to be taken into care.

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

Northumbria Police said the search was now being conducted nationwide.

It moved from the North East to London before she was traced to a community near Yeovil at the end of June.

She may then have travelled to Moretonhampstead at the edge of Dartmoor.

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.

"During this time, Natalie has approached a number of individuals and organisations for help, convincing them that she is being persecuted and enlisting their support.

"I would appeal to those people who may be or have been sheltering her and her daughters to think carefully about what she has said, analyse it and ask if it is plausible or not.

"I would like them to think about the safety and welfare of the children."

The girls are: Manjuh Vossing, aged 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.

Mick McCracken, head of safeguarding for Sunderland City Council, said: "They appear to have been moving around the country without any means of support.

"We don't know whether the girls have been at school or if they have any unmet medical or other needs.

"We would encourage Natalie or anyone who knows her directly, or has information on her, to come forward and make contact."

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