Missing family traced to commune

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A woman who vanished from her North East home after she found out her children were being taken into care has been traced to Somerset.

Natalie Bracht, 34, who suffers from a personality disorder, left Sunderland on 17 May with her five daughters.

She was spotted in the Harlesden area of London, but police believe she then moved to a commune near Yeovil, from where she has since fled.

Northumbria Police are now liaising with Avon and Somerset Constabulary.

Ms Bracht has been diagnosed with a histrionic personality disorder, which includes a tendency to make rash decisions, exaggerate emotion, and be prone to self-harm.

Last week, the force was granted permission by the High Court in London to reveal that her children, aged between four and 15, are the subject of interim care orders.

My message to Natalie is that this has gone on long enough, it is time to give yourself up DCI Roger Ford, Northumbria Police

Det Ch Insp Roger Ford said: "We know that Natalie and the girls were at the commune but have since abandoned their belongings and fled.

"Once again the girls are alone in an area where they have no links or means of support, hundreds of miles away from their home, friends and school.

"Natalie still does not appear to have access to much money, certainly not enough to look after herself and her five children. Nor does she appear to have any family connections in the area.

"The bottom line is that these kids should not be in her care. My message to Natalie is that this has gone on long enough, it is time to give yourself up."

Ms Bracht moved to the North East from Germany in 2006 with her children and speaks good English, with a strong German accent.

The father of three of the girls has travelled to the UK from Germany to help with the investigation.