Missing mother found in Germany

A mother who went missing with her five daughters six months ago when she learned they were to be taken into care was found in Germany, police said today.

Natalie Bracht, 35, left her Sunderland home in May and was next spotted disguised in robes in London.

A national search was launched and the German-born mother, who Northumbria Police said had a personality disorder, was found safe and well with the girls aged five to 13 in Munich.

The children were safely in the care of the German authorities, police said.

The family group moved from London to the West Country and were traced to a commune in June, but disappeared again before the authorities moved in.

It was believed people were helping Miss Bracht after she told them her life was in danger and her father was a Libyan spy.

But her British-born father John Brown denied the claim, and last week urged her to give herself up.

Northumbria Police asked the High Court to allow them to identify the missing children a week ago, after they had been on the run for six months.

During the investigation, the force liaised with detectives across Europe.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: "We are working with their German counterparts and will be speaking with Natalie in due course."

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Bentham said: "I am happy that the girls have been found safe and well and I would like to thank the public and the media for their help and assistance in this matter."