Couple arrested after missing baby found in Barnard Castle
(35 minutes later)
Police have appealed for help in tracing a County Durham couple who drove off with their four-month-old baby, who is in social services care.
A couple have been arrested after a four-month-old baby went missing in County Durham.
The alarm was raised on Monday following an arranged visit made by Sarah Corbett, 31, to her daughter Kourtney at a facility in Stanley.
Police began a search for the pair, believed to be the parents, after the baby girl went missing from Stanley on Monday.
Unknown to staff, the baby's father Stephen Moses, 29, who is not allowed unsupervised access, was outside.
A spokesman for Durham Police said a 31-year-old woman and a 29-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of exposing a child to neglect.
Durham Police described the baby as a "high risk" missing person.
All three were found at a pub in Barnard Castle after a tip-off.
The couple left in a black Ford Focus, registration W679 SGM.
The baby is in the care of social services.
Officers believe the family is still likely to be in the north-east of England and have contacted neighbouring forces.
Det Supt Ken Donnelly said the baby was "classed as a high-risk missing person as we have serious concerns for her welfare".
"There are a number of safeguarding issues around the family and this is why ourselves and social services have taken the unusual step of identifying a child who is in the care of the local authority.
Extended family
"Kourtney is away from her familiar surroundings and may be in distress, so we need to trace the family as soon as we can."
Mr Moses, who also uses the name Eddie Oliver, is described as slim, 5ft 10in tall, with a tattoo on his neck and short, dyed blond hair which is thicker on the top.
Ms Corbett, who is also known as Sarah Rutter, is of average build, 5ft 8in tall, with long auburn hair. Both are from the Annfield Plain area of Durham.
Rachael Shimmin, corporate director for children and adults services at Durham County Council said: "Our primary concern is to see the safe return of a vulnerable four-month-old baby girl, who was was taken during a planned contact meeting with her mother.
"We have worked very closely with the immediate and extended family and feel sure that all involved remain committed to what is best for this little girl.
"I would therefore appeal directly to both parents to bring Kourtney back so that we can support her in the best possible way and with her safety and wellbeing at heart."
