Five-year-old girl found as police continue to search for missing Sunderland couple

Peter Dalby, 37, and his partner Lauren Wilkinson, 24, were last seen on Thursday, May 26.

Police said as they launched an appeal to try and track them down that they believed they had Lauren's five-year-old daughter with them.

Northumbria Police has now said the girl has been found at a family member’s home in West Yorkshire and is now in the care of social services.

The force is still helping in the search for the pair.

The family live in the Hendon area of Sunderland, but are originally from Bradford in West Yorkshire, and it is possible they may have returned there.

Officers are carrying out enquiries to trace the family, and would like to speak to anyone who has information about where they may be.

Southern Area Command Chief Inspector Jerry Pearson said: "We've been carrying out enquiries to trace this family after concern was raised for them, and would appeal to Peter and Lauren to come forward.

"It's important we ensure both they and their daughter are safe and well."

Anyone who has information should get in contact with Northumbria Police on 101, quoting reference 922 260516.