UK NEWS

FEARS FOR CHILDREN ON RUN

The missing children

Saturday July 26,2008

By Stephen Wilkie

A fugitive father, missing for more than a year with his two children, is at the centre of an international police hunt.

Officers in Scotland have told the authorities in Spain, France and the Irish Republic that Charles Turner could be in hiding under a false name with his son and daughter.

The 34-year-old vanished last June along with his son, also Charles, aged nine, and eight-year-old Rhianna.

Concerns were raised when the children failed to appear for lessons at Gracemount Primary School in Edinburgh on June 15 last year.

It then emerged their father was wanted on a string of drug charges and had gone on the run, taking his children.

Lothian and Borders police say they are concerned because neither child has been registered with a GP, dentist or school for more than 12 months.

These kids have not been seen by any professional agencies for over a year now and we are concerned

PC Fiona Gilchrist

The children’s mother – who is separated from Turner and has not been named by police – lives in Ireland and has had no contact with them since they vanished.

Turner, of Loanhead, Midlothian, is believed to have access to a large amount of cash to fund his life on the road.

Inquiries with his extended family have revealed that several relatives have had contact with him and claim both children are safe.

But PC Fiona Gilchrist, heading the inquiry, said: “These kids have not been seen by any professional agencies for over a year now and we are concerned.”