Missing mother and children found

A mother who went missing with her five daughters six months ago when she learned they were to be taken into care has been found in Germany.

Natalie Bracht, 35, left her Sunderland home in May and was next spotted disguised in robes in London. A search was launched and the German-born mother, who Northumbria Police said had a personality disorder, was found safe and well in Munich with the girls, who are aged five to 13.

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 Ms Bracht after she told them her life was in danger and her father was a Libyan spy, a claim he denied.