THE wife of a clown who has been missing since she ran away from the circus was found safe and well yesterday.

Martho Martinez, 26, and her son Ashley, three, left Uncle Sam's American Circus last week during its stay in Stanley, County Durham.

Her clown husband Ramon had reported her missing on the night of Tuesday, September 17, when she left after they had quarrelled.

Yesterday Mrs Martinez, who is not staying in the region, contacted police and was visited by an officer.

A police spokesman said: "They are both fit and well and have been living in temporary accommodation."

She is said to have no plans to return to the circus, which was in Middlesbrough last night.

Inspector Roy Smith of Stanley police said: "What happens now is a matter for her and her husband."