Hunt for Man Who Abducted Six-Year-Old Sister

From: Scotsman, UK - May 11, 2005

By Tim Walsh, PA

Police launched a nationwide hunt today for a man who has gone on the run after abducting his partially deaf six-year-old sister.

Roseanne Mangan was with her twin brother and carer outside a chip shop in Leicester on April 25 when older brother Michael Francis Mangan and his girlfriend Bridgette McDonagh pulled alongside in a car.

The little girl was then dragged into the Vauxhall Astra before it drove away, said Leicestershire Police.

Earlier that day, Mr Mangan and Miss McDonagh, both aged 24 and from Bristol, had been banned under bail conditions from contacting the twins or interfering in their lives.

Police said limited telephone contact has been made with Mr Mangan since the day of the abduction to try to negotiate Roseanne's return. His promises to return her to her carer have come to nothing, the force said. Roseanne is not thought to be at immediate risk of harm, but police and social workers are increasingly worried about her welfare and have launched a public appeal for information, with pictures of the trio.

Detective Superintendent Bob Small, who is leading the inquiry, said: "Michael has been given ample opportunity to return Roseanne as he has promised several times to do but these promises have gone unfulfilled. There is only so long that this situation can continue and as the days pass our concern for Roseanne's welfare is increasing.

"We know that they have travelled extensively in the last two weeks, and the strain of this lifestyle coupled with the impact of being separated from her twin brother, gives rise for serious concerns about Roseanne's emotional well-being."

Mr Small said the couple had visited several major cities as well as some smaller regional towns and are currently believed to be in the south of England."

Andrew Bunyan, service director of Leicester City Council Children and Family Services, said: "Social Care & Health are very concerned about the safety and welfare of Roseanne and would welcome any information that could lead to her safe return."

Mr Mangan is described as white, 5ft 9ins tall, with short wavy brown hair with a pale complexion and freckles. He is of slim build and speaks with a broad Irish accent.

He may call himself by his second name, Francis, rather than Michael.

Miss McDonagh is described as white, 5ft 7ins tall, with bleached blonde shoulder length hair. She is of medium build, usually well dressed and wears make up. She also speaks with a broad Irish accent .

Roseanne is described as white, 3ft 6ins tall, with shoulder length brown hair and brown eyes. She was wearing cropped pink trousers and a lilac cropped T-shirt. Roseanne may also be wearing a hearing aid in each ear.
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