The Metropolitan Police have issued a desperate plea for public assistance in locating a 31-year-old Essex mother, Jamie-Leigh Kelly, and her two young children who have been missing since Tuesday, September 19. The children, aged three and less than one month old, were taken from a Family Assessment Centre in north-west London against the wishes of the staff, prompting grave concerns for their safety and wellbeing.
The incident occurred around 19:40 when Jamie-Leigh, against the guidance of the centre’s personnel, placed her children into a blue Ford Fiesta before speeding away from the facility. Authorities have identified the driver as a woman, although her identity remains unknown. The whereabouts of the vehicle also remain a mystery.
Jamie-Leigh Kelly is described as a white woman with green eyes, of slim build, and standing at 5ft4ins tall. She was last seen wearing a white jumper or long-sleeved t-shirt, white jogging-style trousers, and white trainers.
What adds to the urgency of this case is the age of the newborn child, who is less than one month old and may require immediate medical care. Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford, who leads the Met’s Public Protection command in East Area, has issued a direct appeal to Jamie-Leigh, urging her to contact the authorities to ensure the safety of her children.
“We know you have no intention for the children to come to harm, so we are asking you to please pick up the phone and have a conversation with us so we can meet with you. The baby may need medical care as he is new-born, so please put him first and contact us,” Detective Superintendent Basford stated.
The Met Police are collaborating closely with Essex Police and local authorities in Thurrock and Havering, areas associated with Jamie-Leigh Kelly. Efforts are underway to locate the family, with detectives conducting extensive lines of inquiry.
In a significant development, a man in his 50s was arrested on September 20 in connection with the investigation on suspicion of child abduction and conspiracy to kidnap. He remains in custody in Essex, though there is no indication at this time that the children have been harmed.
The police have released an image of the blue Ford Fiesta believed to be involved in the disappearance and are urging anyone with information, especially those in Essex or London, to come forward immediately. The Met Police incident room can be reached at 020 7175 0793, and emergency services should be contacted at 999 for live sightings.
Additionally, individuals with information may choose to report it anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111, where personal details are not requested, and device tracing is not performed. The paramount concern at this time is the safety and welfare of Jamie-Leigh Kelly and her two vulnerable children.
