Family disappears

POLICE are appealing for help to find a heavily pregnant Romanian woman and her immigrant family after they disappeared from their Newhaven home.

Detectives are particularly concerned for the welfare of 29-year-old Maria Rostas as she was due to give birth to her fifth child on Tuesday.

Mrs Rostas, her husband Mircea, 34, and their children aged 14, 12, eight and 22 months, were last seen at the end of September. They had lived in Meeching Place for nearly three years.

Detective Inspector Fran Mitchell said the family's whereabouts were a mystery. 'The baby was due this week which heightens the concern,' she added.

Police were tipped off about the disappearance by the family's social worker. DI Mitchell said: 'He was very surprised to find they were not home and had not been seen for while. There was no indication there were plans to move on.'

However, foul play was not suspected. 'There is nothing suspicious about the disappearance, but it is unusual and that causes us concern,' added DI Mitchell.

She urged anyone who had seen the couple to call her on 0845 6070999.

The Rostas had rented their flat through the Newhaven branch of Lampons. Lettings negotiator Lindsey Evans said they appeared to have settled well in the town.

'Mr and Mrs Rostas have been tenants of a flat let through us in Meeching Place, since December 1999. Social services contacted us on September 28 to advise us they had concerns about the family's whereabouts. Since then we have been assisting social services and the police who are looking into the matter.

'The Rostas were good, dependable tenants who appeared to have settled well into the local community.'