After being missing for 11 days two young children who were brought from Britain to Ireland by their mother against the wishes of their father were reunited with him at a Garda station in Dublin last night.
Their mother, Ms Fiona Murphy (24), disappeared with her children, James (4) and Chanelle (3), after taking the children out for the day.
Their father, Mr Ian Coker (28), had been awarded custody of the children last January and was living with them at Tilehurst, Berkshire, near London.
Gardai were alerted at 10 a.m. yesterday when the children arrived at the Eastern Health Board office at Charles Street West, north Dublin, with their mother and her male companion. All four were taken to the Bridewell Garda station, where the children were cared for by Garda Michelle O'Connor. Ms Murphy, who has relatives in Ireland, and her companion were interviewed and later released.
"The children were in great form," said a Garda spokesman. "It's a big adventure for them." He said the Garda was not considering legal action at this time, although there is a court order in relation to the custodial situation in Britain.
Mr Coker, who arrived at the Bridewell yesterday evening with his father, Mr Gerald Coker, thanked the media in Ireland and Britain for their assistance.
"I'm very glad to have the children back," he said, as he emerged from the Bridewell with his daughter in his arms.