Mother appeals for information over missing daughter

  • Granada
Atiya Wilkinson has been missing for three years

The mother of a missing girl is appealing for information, three years after her disappearance, and a day before her sixth birthday.

Atiya Wilkinson was last seen by her mum, Gemma Wilkinson from Ashton-under-Lyne on 6 November 2009 after her ex-partner Razuan Anjum took his daughter to Pakistan for a holiday.

He was due to return on 13 November but contacted Gemma to say he was going to stay an extra week. Both Atiya and Anjum did not return and on 23 November, Gemma received a phone call from the father to say his daughter was going to stay in Pakistan.

Gemma contacted police and reported Atiya missing.

Following police enquiries, it was confirmed Anjum returned to the UK, without Atiya, on 20 November and that he had bought his daughter a return ticket, valid for six months since departure.

Anjum stated that Atiya would be on a flight on 19 December but she never returned.

In April 2010, Anjum received an indeterminate sentence by the High Court and remains in jail after refusing to reveal where Atiya is.

Now, three years after she disappeared and the day before her sixth birthday, Gemma Wilkinson is appealing for her safe return.

Detective Constable Emma Constantine from Greater Manchester Police's Child Protection Unit said: "Understandably, Gemma is distraught that she has not seen her daughter for three years and is desperate to be reunited with her.

"We have been working closely with our colleagues in the Foreign Commonwealth Office to try and find Atiya, but as of yet, we have not been able to locate her.

"We would appeal to members of the public, in particular living in the Rochdale area along with the wider community, for information on Atiya's whereabouts.

"Atiya has had no contact with her mother and father, along with her immediate maternal and paternal family for the last three years and we are growing increasingly concerned for her safety and wellbeing."

Anyone with information should phone police on 101, the Foreign Commonwealth Office on 020 7008 0878 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.