Ashya King and family

Police launch major investigation to five year old taken from Southampton hospital

This in from the police, in their own words. Ed


Ashya King has a brain tumor and without treatment there are serious concerns for his welfare. He is likely to be in a wheelchair or buggy, he cannot communicate verbally and is immobile.

Ashya was removed from the hospital by his parents, 51-year-old Brett King and 45-year-old Naghemeh King, at approximately 2pm on Thursday, 28August.

Boarded a ferry to France
We have confirmation that Ashya, his parents and six siblings boarded a continental ferry service from Portsmouth to Cherbourg at 4pm on Thursday, 28 August. The ship arrived in France at 8pm French time.

The family are travelling in a grey coloured Hyundai I800 Style CRDI, registration KP60 HWK.

Information suggests that the family are still in France.

We are working with our counterparts in France to activate their emergency child rescue alert procedures to locate the family as soon as possible.

Detective Superintendent Dick Pearson of Hampshire Major Investigation team said:

“If we do not locate Ashya today there are serious concerns for his life. He is receiving constant medical care within the UK due to recent surgery and ongoing medical issues. Without this specialist 24 hour care Ashya is at risk of additional health complications which place him at substantial risk.

“He needs to be taken to a medical facility for his urgent health requirements as soon as he is located.

“We have also launched a social media appeal and would urge everyone to share this appeal, particularly if you have friends and relatives in France and bordering countries.”

Get in touch
Anyone with information which may help us locate Ashya King should contact Hampshire Constabulary as soon as possible on 101 quoting Operation Aquilion.

From outside the UK, please call us on 0044 1962 841534.

In France, please call the emergency 112 number.

Article edit: Contact details updated at 13.21