MANCHESTER police charged a man yesterday with the abduction of a five year old girl, who is a member of the Irish travelling community. She disappeared from her bedroom at the weekend, as divers and a mountain rescue team continued searching for her.
Mr Andrew Pountley (31) was remanded in custody and will appear at Oldham Magistrates' Court today charged with abducting Rosemary McCann early on Sunday morning. Mr Pountley who is known to the family, was arrested shortly after her disappearance.
Earlier Rosemary's mother, Mrs Josie Mahon (27), of Kipling Road, Oldham, made an emotional appeal at a police press conference, requesting the public to search their sheds, garages and vehicles for any sign of her daughter.
"I am very, very worried. AWI want is my child back home. Please, please help the police find my child," she said.
Del Supt Ron Gaffey, who is leading the investigation, admitted that he was now very concerned for Rosemary's safety.
"It is now more than 48 hours since Rosemary was taken. With every minute and hour I am becoming more concerned. I am earnestly hoping she is still alive. It may be someone is holding her against her will or she is tied up alone somewhere," he said.
Police divers and a mountain rescue team have been called in to search for Rosemary. She was last seen at 12.20 a.m. on Sunday morning by her mother, who checked on her before going to visit a friend. Two hours later when Mrs Mahon returned home, Rosemary was missing.