Missing North Devon boy Neon found in Sussex
UPDATE: “Following extensive Press Coverage on 5th and 6th December 2012, the high risk missing person, 7 year old, Neon Roberts has been located by Police Officers in Sussex. Emergency protection care has been put in place and Neon’s welfare will be considered in the High Court.
Devon and Cornwall Police would like to thank the public, the media and Police colleagues in Sussex for their assistance in securing Neon’s safe recovery.”
YESTERDAY: Police are appealing for the public’s help to trace a mother and son who were last seen in the Tiverton area.
Sally Roberts, also known as Sally Leese, and her son Neon Roberts, aged seven years, are believed to have left the Tiverton area on Monday, 3rd December 2012, and concern is now growing in particular for Neon’s welfare.
Neon has recently undergone surgery for a brain tumour and doctors treating him have said he is now in need of urgent medical attention.
It is believed Neon’s mother is opposed to further treatment to Neon and has disappeared with him as a result.
Their whereabouts is currently unknown, but police are asking any members of the public who may have seen them or know their whereabouts to come forward.
They are believed to have been sighted in the East Grinstead area of Sussex earlier this afternoon, Wednesday, 5th December, 2012, but there current whereabouts is unknown.
Assistant Chief Constable Chris Boarland said: “Neon is seriously ill and we have huge concern for his welfare.
“He is currently subject to a Family Court order and I would ask his mother to think about her son’s welfare and contact police and medical services as soon as possible.
“Neon needs urgent medical attention and his well being along with his mother is our prime concern.
Lawyers for the NHS and Devon County Council, who are tasked with looking after the boy’s interests, went to the High Court to lift reporting restrictions
Making the ruling, Mrs Justice Hogg said: "I have made an order permitting the identification of the child, Neon Luca Roberts, who is aged seven. It’s thought that he is need of urgent life-saving hospital treatment.
"His mother, Mrs Sally Roberts, who is also known as Sally Lees, is opposed to the treatment and has disappeared with Neon. She was last seen in Devon on Sunday.
"He suffers from a brain tumour and has recently had surgery and the doctors responsible for his treatment believe he urgently needs radiotherapy.
"Her family have had no contact with her for several days and are very concerned for her and Neon.
"The doctors say that, unless treatment is started next week, the prospects of Neon surviving are dramatically reduced. I have asked for the assistance of the public in looking for this very sick little boy.
"I have also made urgent arrangements for a hearing to consider the case and future treatment on Friday of this week by a judge of the Family Division of the High Court.
"I hope very much that Mrs Roberts will make contact with her solicitors and the court as soon as possible.
"I can only urge her to come forward. I am deeply concerned for the welfare and wellbeing of this little boy."
“If any member of the public has seen Neon and Sally or knows their whereabouts they should contact police as a matter of urgency on 0800 0560154.
