Kidnapped girl arrives home
A six-year-old girl who was kidnapped by her father and taken to Lahore, Pakistan, is back in Greater Manchester. Atiya Anjum-Wilkinson was taken from her home in Ashton-under-Lyne in November 2009, sparking an international search.
Sajjad Karim MEP 'overjoyed' at homecoming of Atiya
– Sajjad Karim MEPI was delighted to be able to assist GMP to bring this case to a satisfactory fruition.
The two Greater Manchester Police officers who have provided continued support for this case for over three years but the real credit goes to Atiya's mum, Gemma, who never gave up.
I am also very grateful to the Pakistani authorities who did the work on the ground to locate Atiya.
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Full interview with kidnapped girl's mother
As she waited for her six-year-old daughter to return from Pakistan, Gemma Wilkinson spoke of her joy at being told Atiya would finally be home.
EXCLUSIVE: Atiya's mother speaks about her final wait to see her daughter
Pakistani authorities 'helped get Atiya back'
– North West MEP Sajjad Karim"I was delighted to be able to assist GMP to bring this case to a satisfactory fruition.
"Two Greater Manchester Police officers have provided continued support for this case for over three years but the real credit goes to Atiya's mum, Gemma, who never gave up.
"I am also very grateful to the Pakistani authorities who did the work on the ground to locate Atiya."
Investigation into kidnapped girl 'long and hard' - police
– Detective Superintendent Phil Owen, Greater Manchester Police's Child Protection Unit"This has been a long and hard investigation which has thankfully culminated in Atiya being on her way home.
"Throughout the three years of her disappearance, her mother Gemma has understandably been sick with worry. She had not heard from her beloved daughter and did not know whether she would ever set eyes upon her again.
"However, Gemma, alongside ourselves and a variety of organisations, were determined we would not give up and remained dedicated to finding her. Thanks to this determination and the help from the Pakistani authorities, we have the outcome we were hoping for."
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Information in Pakistan led to Atiya's return
MEP @shkmep says once people in #Pakistan knew she hadn't seen mother for 3 yrs people came forward with information.#Atiyah
From @ElaineWITV on Twitter:Kidnapped six-year-old girl on her way back home
Plane carrying Atiya has left Pakistan
The plane carrying kidnapped six-year-old Atiya Anjum-Wilkinson has left Pakistan.
It was delayed by bad weather and is due to land in Manchester later today.
Aitya's mother made tearful plea for her to come home last month
Speaking the day before Atiya's sixth birthday, Gemma Wilkinson made a new plea for her daughter's return.
In 2009 Atiya's father told Gemma he was taking their daughter to Southport, but instead she was taken to Lahore in Pakistan.