Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Family who disappeared turn up safe at campsite

Terri Judd
Wednesday 14 July 2004 00:00 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The hunt for a family who disappeared two weeks ago ended yesterday when the father turned up at a police station in south-west England.

The hunt for a family who disappeared two weeks ago ended yesterday when the father turned up at a police station in south-west England.

South Wales police had said they were "greatly concerned" for David Fundell, his wife Susan and four children after they left their Cardiff home without taking any belongings. Their mobile telephones had not been used and there was no evidence they had taken money.

But yesterday lunchtime, as police were planning to issue an appeal through Interpol, Mr Fundell, 57, turned up at a station in south-west England insisting his family was safe but did not plan to return to Cardiff.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Kemp of South Wales Police said Mr Fundell, his 41-year-old wife and children Joanna, 17, Jonathan, nine, and twins Harry and Francesca, six, had been staying at a campsite.

The father, who is unemployed, told the officer he did not want anyone to know where the family were. It is believed they may have had financial difficulties, possibly linked to the failure of Mr Fundell's office business.

The family was reported missing to police on 5 July but the children had not been to school or college since 29 June.

Detectives investigating the case arrested a 57-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman from Cardiff on suspicion of neglect. Four children were taken into protective custody.

Join our commenting forum

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

Comments

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