Maternal grandparents of missing Sussex brothers sought

(From left to right) Charlie Clift, Kaiton Warnes and Amelia Warnes have been missing since January last year

The whereabouts of the maternal grandparents of two half brothers believed to be missing in northern Cyprus are being sought by lawyers.

Charlie Clift, five, and Kaiton Warnes, two, from Eastbourne in East Sussex, are thought to be with their mother Amelia Warnes, 23, and her husband and Kaiton's father, Jason Warnes, 26.

They vanished in January 2014 while at the centre of a family court case.

Lawyers believe Jon Clift, 46, and Lita Clift, 50, may know where the boys are.

In March, the couple from St Leonards were convicted of "conspiracy to abduct" Charlie by a jury at Lewes Crown Court and given suspended prison sentences.

Charlie's father, Dominic Burt, 25, also of St Leonards, said he had not seen his son for months and just wanted him back home.

"I've no idea where he is. If he's safe, if he's healthy, if he's eaten.

"I really have big concerns for him," Mr Burt said.

Charlie's father, Dominic Burt, said he was concerned for his son's welfare and just wanted him back home

A judge at a court hearing in London last week gave permission for the identities of the children to be revealed in the hope publicity will help find them.

On Monday, Sir Gavyn Arthur asked for anyone with information about the whereabouts of Mr and Mrs Clift to call police.

He has spoken of his "grave concern" for the boys' welfare and ordered Mr and Mrs Warnes to return them to England.

He said that by refusing to comply with court orders they were making a "worrying situation worse".

Lawyers have said both boys were the subject of ongoing family court proceedings brought by East Sussex County Council social services.

They were removed from the UK while on child protection plans and both were wards of court, they added.