Missing mother fails to return

Kelly Ann Piggford, of Kempton Court, Red Hall, Darlington, is expected to remain in Turkey for another week.

Miss Piggford, who is also known as Rogerson, was expected to return home yesterday. However, neighbours now say she is not likely to return for another week.

Miss Piggford's three children, aged four, two and 11 months, were taken into care by police and social services when they were found being looked after by a 15-year-old babysitter.

The two girls and the baby boy are now believed to be living with their father, Mel Jenkinson, of Bedford Gardens, Darlington.

Miss Piggford had gone on holiday to Turkey with her friend, Lisa Riding of Bramall Lane, Red Hall.

The pair had returned from a fortnight's holiday in Marmaris and it is believed Miss Piggford is wanting to live abroad permanently.

Police and social services visited Ms Riding's house, after being alerted by neighbours. They found the children being looked after by 15-year-old Kayleigh Lowe.

Kayleigh's brother, Dan, 20, who is godfather to the three children, has also said he was looking after the three children.

Yesterday, Dan said: "We don't know when she's getting back. It's when she can get a flight."

Kayleigh added that, although they did not know when she was supposed to be returning, they were not expecting her back until next Monday.

A Durham Police spokesman said last night: "There is no definite pointer as to when Kelly Ann is expected to return.

"It makes little difference to the police and social services because, when she does arrive back, arrangements will be made to see her and let her give her version of events.

"Until that time, we will just have to play the waiting game and be patient."

Social services officials are understood to have made contact with Miss Piggford in Turkey.

A Darlington Borough Council spokesman said: "We have no indication that this lady is back in the UK. When she is, we'll want to talk to her."