Brighton: Couple and child may not have been sleeping in park - police

A tent and a travel cot were left in Queens Park, leading to concern the group were without shelter

A couple with a toddler who were spotted in a park before a tent and cot were found may not have been staying there overnight, police have said.

A member of the public contacted police on Thursday, concerned a young woman had been sleeping in a Brighton park.

The girl had been seen with a man, described as late teens to early 20s, and a child aged about 18 months.

Sussex Police said new information suggested they had frequented Queens Park but may not have slept there.

The force said: "Further information has come to light that suggests the family were frequenting the site in Queens Park and may not have been sleeping there overnight.

"However we are continuing with our efforts to locate the group to ensure they are safe and well."

Police said new information suggests the family were frequenting the site in Queens Park

Det Supt Kris Ottery said it had been a "very concerning report" and the force had treated it "incredibly seriously and with the utmost importance".

He appealed directly to the man and woman: "If you believe you are the people we are seeking, please make contact with us to let us know that you are safe and well."

Teams of officers worked throughout the weekend to try to find the group and had searched vast areas of the city, he said.

Drones and the National Police Air Service helicopter were also deployed and "countless" community members were involved.

Det Supt Ottery said: "Safeguarding is at the heart of our investigation and we have worked closely with our partner agencies to ensure the search reaches the rest of the UK. "

He said the force had sought the support of the National Crime Agency, other police forces, and homeless outreach, in an effort to identify the pair and toddler.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.

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