Articles | CCTV of mother and kids on the run

CCTV of mother and kids on the run

Published: Tuesday, 18 November 2008, 12:20PM

A mother disguised herself and her five children in robes and headscarves when they disappeared six months ago after she learned they would be taken into care, new pictures show.

Natalie Bracht, who has Histrionic Personality Disorder according to Northumbria Police, fled her Sunderland home in May with her daughters, who are aged between five and 13.

The family group were seen with the distinct clothing on CCTV at King's Cross station in London. Ms Bracht had set off from Newcastle wearing a red anorak.

CCTV images of the group were released for the first time without the children's faces obscured after the High Court granted permission for full identification to help trace them.

Since the disappearance of the family in May they have been seen at a London mosque and were thought to be staying in Harlesden.

They were then traced to a commune near Yeovil, Somerset, and in June police believe the mother took the girls to Moretonhampstead on the edge of Dartmoor.

Ms Bracht, 35, came to Sunderland from Dusseldorf in 2006, and speaks good English with a German accent.

Police believe she may have talked people into helping her hide from authorities by claiming to be the daughter of a Libyan spy whose life was at risk.

Her family have urged her to come home.

Since she disappeared, an interim care order has been granted in respect of her missing girls.

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

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Bentham, of Northumbria Police, said: "Following the decision at the High Court to allow the identification of Natalie's five daughters, we can today release for the first time these CCTV stills without obscuring the girls' faces.

"They were taken on Saturday, May 17, at 6.20pm, at King's Cross Railway Station in London.

"In them Natalie is seen wearing a flowing white robe and head scarf whilst some of her daughters also seem to be wearing headscarves."

Anyone with information can call Northumbria Police, on 03456 043 043, or contact the Missing People charity, on 0500 700 700 or email seensomeone@missingpeople.org.uk.