Police find missing mother and five girls in Germany

A MISSING mother and her five daughters, whom residents and visitors in West Somerset were asked to watch out for, have been found today in Germany.
The family disappeared from their home in Sunderland six months ago and a nationwide search was launched for them.
Now, Natalie Bracht, aged 34, who was said to suffer from a personality disorder, and her daughters aged from five to 13 years, have been found safe and well in Germany.
Northumbria Police were supported by the Avon and Somerset Constabulary and other forces across the country and in Europe before the family was discovered in Munich.
The five children have been placed in the care of German authorities.
A spokesman for Northumbria Police said they were working with their German counterparts and would speak with Ms Bracht ‘in due course’.
The spokesman said: “I am happy that the girls have been found safe and well.
“I would like to thank the public and the media for their help and assistance in this matter.”

• Our photographs of the family were released by police from CCTV taken at a London train station. Photos submitted.

Police renew appeal for information about missing family

PEOPLE living and working in West Somerset are being asked to help in the search for a missing mother and her five daughters.
Police today released new CCTV stills of the family (pictured) and renewed their appeal for more information on their whereabouts.
Natalie Bracht, aged 35, left her home in Sunderland on May 17 with her daughters – who are aged between five and 13 years - when she learned they might be taken into care.
Northumbria Police and Sunderland City Council's Children's Services were this week been granted a High Court order for public identification of the five girls as part of their efforts to trace Natalie and her daughters.
Det Chief Inspector Ian Bentham, who is leading the search, 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 6.20 pm, at King’s Cross Railway Station, in London.
“In them, Natalie is seen wearing a flowing white robe and head scarf while some of her daughters also seem to be wearing headscarves.
“We do not know how Natalie and the girls are dressed now - they may have altered their appearance several times – however, we are asking people to keep an eye open for them.”
The search for Natalie is being conducted nationwide.
Anybody 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.
All calls and emails can be dealt with in the strictest confidence.