Police hunt family as five-year-old with brain tumour taken from hospital ward

A five-year-old boy with a brain tumour was taken by his parents without the consent from the hospital, prompting major police hunt for the family.

17:30 29 August 2014

Five year old Ashya King, who is suffering from a brain tumour, was taken by his parents from Southampton General Hospital without obtaining permission from medical staff.

He is believed to be in France with his parents and six siblings. The police force, who launched a major hunt for the entire family, said that the boy needs constant medical care and there are “serious concerns” for his life if he is not found quickly.

His parents, Brett King, 51, and Naghemeh King, 45 removed him from the ward on Thursday.

Det Supt Dick Pearson, of Hampshire Constabulary, said: "If we do not locate Ashya today [Friday 29th] there are serious concerns for his life.

"He is receiving constant medical care within the UK due to recent surgery and ongoing medical issues. Without this specialist 24 hour care, Ashya is at risk of additional health complications which place him at substantial risk.

"He needs to be taken to a medical facility for his urgent health requirements as soon as he is located."