Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Asylum seekers vanish in the hills

Mark Rowe
Sunday 09 July 2000 00:00 BST
0Comments

A group of asylum seekers is believed to be hiding in the Trossachs, a mountainous area north of Glasgow, after giving the slip to local police, rescue teams, search dogs and a helicopter.

A group of asylum seekers is believed to be hiding in the Trossachs, a mountainous area north of Glasgow, after giving the slip to local police, rescue teams, search dogs and a helicopter.

The search, which is still continuing, is said to involve a group of Armenian asylum seekers, two of whom are thought to be elderly and a further two said to be pregnant. They have remained at large for three days, defying efforts to locate them.

The Trossachs is a region full of dramatic peaks and forest-covered slopes - perfect territory for hideaways.

The area is also known for unpredictable weather. A spokeswoman for Central Scotland Police said "We are still searching. As far as we are aware they are on foot. We are concerned for their safety."

An abandoned car, thought to belong to the asylum seekers, has been located near the scene of a crime. Police are keen to interview the group about a series of crimes across the United Kingdom.

Chief Inspector Neil McSporran of Central Scotland Police said: "Our principal interest is addressing the welfare and well-being of the people involved. I'd be keen to speak to anyone who may have been in the Trossachs area yesterday." But he admitted that the group may no longer be in the area.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

0Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in