Missing boys' mother Amelia Warnes 'will not return to UK'

Amelia Warnes and her father Jon Clift spoke to the BBC via Skype

A mother who took her two sons abroad despite family court proceedings has said she will not return because she fears they will be taken into care.

Amelia Warnes from Eastbourne, East Sussex said Charlie, five, and Kaiton, two, were happy but claimed the family had suffered a miscarriage of justice.

The trio are believed to be in northern Cyprus with Mrs Warnes' husband Jason, 26, who is Kaiton's father.

A London judge has given permission for the family's identities to be revealed.

Sir Gavyn Arthur said in the High Court earlier this month that he had "grave concern" for the children's welfare, and he hoped that publicity would help to locate them.

He ordered Mr and Mrs Warnes to return the boys, who are the subject of ongoing family court proceedings brought by East Sussex County Council social services.

Both boys were removed from the UK while on child protection plans, and are wards of court.

Charlie (left) and Kaiton with Mrs Warnes

Mrs Warnes said the family left the UK 20 months ago.

"We have made a life here, we live here and work here and our children are happy here," she said. "Why would we come back to have our children taken off us and placed in foster care and possibly put up for adoption?"

In March, Mrs Warnes' parents, Jon and Lita Clift, from St Leonards, were convicted at Lewes Crown Court of conspiracy to abduct Charlie, and given suspended prison sentences.

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

Mr Clift, 46, who was with his daughter, spoke to BBC South East via Skype but did not reveal their location.

He said did not intend returning to the UK, although his wife had done so.

"We have already lost everything already," he said. "This has cost us our jobs, our house, our pension, everything, so there is no real reason for me to go back."

Charlie's father, Dominic Burt, 25, also of St Leonards, has said he wanted his son back home and had "big concerns" for him.

Charlie's father Dominic Burt has not seen his son for nearly two years and said he just wanted him home