Appeal to trace missing Pearl on her 7th birthday: GMP and Toronto Police Service of Canada
(CANADA - Wednesday, 6 April, 2011)

Greater Manchester Police and Toronto Police Service of Canada are appealing for help from the public on the 7th birthday of an abducted child.

Pearl Rose Gavaghan da Massa (born 06/04/2004) was taken from Manchester on 9 December 2008 by her mother Helen Gavaghan (born 14/06/1977).

A UK arrest warrant and extradition warrant and an Interpol RED notice have been issued for Helen.

The pair flew from Manchester, England, to Cancún, Mexico, and crossed into the USA on foot during December 2008.

They travelled to Toronto Canada and remained there until February 2010 when the pair were identified within an alternative community in Parkdale, Toronto, but police were unable to detain them.

The mother holds a passport in the name of Meta International and was also known as Dana Flaherty while in Toronto and Pearl was known as Belle Flaherty.

They may now have adopted other identities.

Helen was known to offer unofficial child care services in Toronto.

It is thought the pair are being given help to move around.

There are concerns for Pearl following information given to Toronto Police by a healthcare professional and a source close to the alternative community.

They described Pearl as showing clear signs of trauma, social isolation and continued upheaval over a prolonged period.

Pearl was in need of medical attention at the time of the abduction and it is believed that she will not have received this attention.

It is also understood that Pearl is not receiving an education.

A reward of $10,000 is offered in Canada by the Missing Children's Society of Canada for information leading to a confirmed location for Pearl.

See www.mcsc.ca

Helen is described as:

• 5ft 5in (165cm) tall
• very slim or thin build
• green/brown eyes
• long black hair, which may now be dyed and/or cut short
• a prominent angular nose
• wide ears

Pearl is described as:

• 3ft 7in (108cm) tall although she will have grown in the last 2 years
• normal build
• green/brown eyes
• last seen with light brown shoulder length hair

Anyone in the UK with information is asked to call officers at South Manchester CID 0161 856 4843.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Missing Kids UK on 0808-100 8777 quoting reference UK02UK0209GMP00199.

Police Force: Greater Manchester

Address:
Parkdale
Toronto
CANADA