High Court judge is ‘gravely concerned’ about missing sisters, nine and 11, after they disappeared while at centre of Family Court proceedings
- Maya Bentchakal and Fitia Razakarisoa have vanished from west London home
- They were at the centre of a High Court case which is being staged in private
- Limits have been imposed on what can be reported about Family Division case
- Judge overseeing proceedings is calling for help to trace the youngsters
Social services bosses have appealed for help to trace two missing girls after a High Court judge said she was ‘gravely concerned’ about them.
Maya Bentchakal, 11, and nine-year-old Fitia Razakarisoa have disappeared while at the centre of proceedings in the Family Division of the High Court.
Hearings in the case have been staged in private and limits had been placed on what could be reported.
Maya Bentchakal (right), 11, and nine-year-old Fitia Razakarisoa (left) have disappeared while at the centre of proceedings in the Family Division of the High Court
But Mrs Justice Judd, the judge overseeing proceedings, has relaxed reporting restrictions in the hope publicity will help find the youngsters.
The judge, who is based in London, said she is ‘gravely concerned’ for the girls’ welfare and has ruled that council bosses can release some information.
The council shared this picture of a woman believed to have been caring for the two children
Social services bosses at Hammersmith and Fulham Council have welfare responsibilities for the girls and have urged anyone who knows anything about their whereabouts to contact police immediately.
They say evidence suggests that the girls, who have relatives in the UK, France, Madagascar and Algeria, could be in the UK and possibly in London.
Lawyers representing the council said the girls have the same mother and have been living with her in west London.
A spokesperson for the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham said: ‘The children were spoken to by a social worker via Skype in November 2019 and appeared to be well.
‘However, the court remains unclear as to the children’s whereabouts and the identity of the person caring for them. They have been reported missing to the Metropolitan Police.
‘While enquiries continue overseas – in particular in Madagascar – it is felt that the girls could be in the UK, possibly in or around London. Maya’s father is extremely concerned for her.
There are limits on what can be reported about the case at the High Court (pictured) as hearings are being held in private
‘The children have their own independent solicitor and children’s guardian and both professionals are keen to speak to the children and ascertain their wishes and feelings for the future.
‘The girls may be using different names – and one (or both) of them may be using the surname Razakarisoa.’
The council also shared a pictured of a woman that they say is believed to have been looking after the girls.