Two children located in Essex, but mother Jamie-Leigh Kelly remains unaccounted for
The two children of missing woman Jamie-Leigh Kelly, 31, have been found “safe and well” in Essex, but police are still working to locate their mother. The children, a three-year-old girl and a newborn baby boy, were found at an address in Harwich on Sunday, after being reported missing earlier in the week. They had been taken from a vulnerable mothers’ and children’s centre in north-west London on Tuesday.
The children were placed into police protection and taken to hospital for precautionary medical checks, as authorities confirmed they were unharmed. However, Jamie-Leigh Kelly, who left the centre with her children, remains missing.
Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford, who is leading the investigation, expressed relief that the children had been found safe but reiterated that efforts to locate Kelly were ongoing. He urged anyone who may have assisted in the children’s movement, or in helping Jamie-Leigh with accommodation or transport, to come forward.
A 63-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of child abduction, assisting an offender, and perverting the course of justice, and remains in custody. Additionally, two individuals, Ashley Hawkins, 52, and Jordan Hardy, 30, from Dagenham, are set to appear in court in connection with the case, facing charges of child abduction.
Police continue to appeal directly to Jamie-Leigh Kelly to make contact. Detective Basford stated, “Please pick up the phone and have a conversation with us so we can meet with you.” Those with information are encouraged to contact the police or visit a local station.
