A distraught mother who hasn't seen her three children in almost a month has issued a fresh plea for them to be returned home.
Dawn Daley last saw her children Khalid Aljehani, eight, Aasiyah Aljehani, six, Maimunah Aljehani, four, on July 30 after their dad came to pick them up from their home in Wythenshawe.
He was due to take them on holiday to North Yorkshire, but the kids were reported missing to police a week later on August 10, after they failed to return home.
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Police in Manchester said they believe the three young children are with a family member, which Dawn believes is their father - but they are still no closer to bringing them home.
It is believed the children may have been taken abroad, with the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) confirming they are in touch with Greater Manchester Police and the family.
As it nears four weeks since Dawn last saw her beloved children, she has issued a new appeal for them to be be brought home to her as soon as possible. She claims she hasn't spoken to them since July 30.
"It's just like a living nightmare, I wish I could hear their voices," she said, struggling to fight back tears. "I just feel like I'm stuck in a nightmare and I feel so empty. It's the not knowing that's the worst."
An event to raise money to help with the search has been arranged by some of Dawn's friend in Wythenshawe on Saturday at the Three Legs of Man pub on Stretford Road. A gofundme page launched on August 15 has also raised over £3,000.
The latest appeal comes after the children's grandparents, Phil and Lynne Daley, made an emotional appeal for the 'joyful' kids to be brought home to their 'distraught' mother.
"They are absolutely fantastic children. We have 22 grandchildren and see every one of them the same. You can feel how much they are missed. They are very joyful, especially with their nanna," Phil said.
"All I would say is we just want them home. They need to be with their mother. She is distraught and so is the rest of the family. We are bonding together but we need them home.
"Dawn is coping the best she can and she is always trying to look at the positives but she is totally, totally upset. We just need the kids to come back to her."
Greater Manchester Police have been contacted for an update on the investigation. In a previous statement, they said: "On the 10th August 2022, police received a report that three children aged 8, 6 and 4 were missing from their home in Wythenshawe.
"The children are believed to be with a family member. Enquiries are ongoing to trace the whereabouts of the children."
An FCDO spokesperson said: "We are providing assistance to the family of three children who have been reported missing and are in contact with Greater Manchester Police."
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0161 8566051 quoting log number 3480 of the 10 th August 2022. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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