Hove father and two young children go missing

A father and his two young children from Hove have gone missing and police have issued a public appeal for help trying to find.

Sussex Police said: “Police and family are concerned for the welfare of a Hove man and his two small children who have not been seen since Monday morning (14 August).

“Robert Roche, 36, of Palmeira Square, Hove, and his two children, a boy aged three and a girl aged 18 months, set off from home at 9am on Monday morning to go to a day nursery in nearby Holland Road.

“They did not arrive and police were told at 5.30pm when family members realised that they had not returned home.

“Robert is described as white, 5ft 10in, stocky, with dark hair.

“His children are three-year-old Joey and 18-month-old Betsy, who was in a very distinctive black ‘Bugaboo monkey stroller’ buggy with a pink hood. There is also a step and a ‘saddle’ by the handlebar.”

Detective Inspector Mick Jones said: “We are searching the local area and are keen to hear from anyone who has spotted Robert and his children.

“If you see them or know where they might be, please let us know right away on 101 or 999, quoting serial 1053 of 14/08.

“We also ask Robert to get in touch with us so that we can arrange to meet and confirm that he and the children are ok.

“We are not treating the disappearance as suspicious at this stage but it has not happened before and we are naturally very concerned for Robert and especially for his children.”