Toronto police are asking for help again in finding a six-year-old girl who has been sighted in the city -- and who may be suffering from the effects of life on the run with her mother.
Pearl Rose Gavaghan Da Massa was allegedly taken by her mother, Helen Gavaghan, 33, without consent on Dec. 8, 2009 in Manchester, England. A warrant for her arrest has been issued in the U.K.
Gavaghan had joint custody of Pearl with the girl's father, Henry Da Massa.
Police allege that Helen took Pearl first to Cancun, Mexico, in December 2008 then entered Texas about three weeks later.
"In February 2010, it was discovered that Helen had been living in Toronto for about 12 months under the name of Dana Flaherty and Pearl under the name of Belle Flaherty," police allege.
They believe the pair had been staying in the Parkdale area of Toronto. Helen allegedly offered childcare services and was involved in home-schooling groups.
Police say that before they caught up with Helen, she moved.
"However, there has been a more recent sighting of Pearl, in the same area, from early July," police claim.
They say concerns are growing about Pearl's well-being.
According to a health professional who came forward, Pearl was showing signs of trauma from the continuing upheaval in her life back in September 2009.
Helen is described as being 5'5" and having a thin build. She has green-brown eyes with a prominent, angular nose and wide ears.
When she was last seen, Pearl was 3'7", but has undoubtedly grown. She also has green-brown eyes.
Toronto residents who may have knowledge of her whereabouts are asked to contact police at 416-808-2222, or CrimeStoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
They can also call Child Find Ontario at 1-800-387-7962 (reference 5625-P).
In the U.K., people can call South Manchester CID (+44) 0161-856-4843 or CrimeStoppers anonymously at 0800-4555-111 or Missing Kids UK at 0909-100-8777 (reference UK02UK0209GMP00199).
