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Sick boy Ashya King taken from Southampton hospital ward Sick boy Ashya King taken from Southampton hospital ward
(35 minutes later)
A five-year-old boy with a brain tumour has been taken without consent from hospital by his parents, sparking a major police hunt for the family.A five-year-old boy with a brain tumour has been taken without consent from hospital by his parents, sparking a major police hunt for the family.
Ashya King was taken from Southampton General Hospital and is now believed to be in France with his parents and six siblings.Ashya King was taken from Southampton General Hospital and is now believed to be in France with his parents and six siblings.
Police said he needs constant medical care and there are "serious concerns" for his life if he is not found today.Police said he needs constant medical care and there are "serious concerns" for his life if he is not found today.
Brett King, 51, and Naghemeh King, 45 removed him from the ward on Thursday.Brett King, 51, and Naghemeh King, 45 removed him from the ward on Thursday.
It is believed the family boarded a cross-Channel ferry from Portsmouth to Cherbourg at 16:00 BST and arrived at 20:00.It is believed the family boarded a cross-Channel ferry from Portsmouth to Cherbourg at 16:00 BST and arrived at 20:00.
Police said Ashya, who recently had surgery, cannot communicate verbally and is immobile. He is likely to be in a wheelchair or buggy.Police said Ashya, who recently had surgery, cannot communicate verbally and is immobile. He is likely to be in a wheelchair or buggy.
Cherbourg Police has confirmed it is searching locally for Ashya, checking hotels and CCTV.
An image of Ashya being wheeled out of the hospital by his father has been released by police.An image of Ashya being wheeled out of the hospital by his father has been released by police.
The force said it was working with police in France to activate emergency child rescue alert procedures.The force said it was working with police in France to activate emergency child rescue alert procedures.
The family, from Southsea, Portsmouth, were travelling in a grey coloured Hyundai I800 Style CRDI, registration KP60 HWK.The family, from Southsea, Portsmouth, were travelling in a grey coloured Hyundai I800 Style CRDI, registration KP60 HWK.
Det Supt Dick Pearson, of Hampshire Constabulary, said: "If we do not locate Ashya today there are serious concerns for his life.Det Supt Dick Pearson, of Hampshire Constabulary, said: "If we do not locate Ashya today there are serious concerns for his life.
"He is receiving constant medical care within the UK due to recent surgery and ongoing medical issues. Without this specialist 24 hour care, Ashya is at risk of additional health complications which place him at substantial risk."He is receiving constant medical care within the UK due to recent surgery and ongoing medical issues. Without this specialist 24 hour care, Ashya is at risk of additional health complications which place him at substantial risk.
"He needs to be taken to a medical facility for his urgent health requirements as soon as he is located.""He needs to be taken to a medical facility for his urgent health requirements as soon as he is located."
Clive Coleman BBC legal correspondent
Parents have the right to remove their children from hospital unless they are prevented from doing so by a court order.
If doctors are concerned that parents intend to remove a child, deny it the medical treatment it needs, and expose it to the risk of serious harm, they can seek a court order.
This will normally involve CAFCASS (the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service), the non-departmental public body which provides guardians to represent the best interests of children in family court proceedings.
Once an order is in place, any parent who removes their child in breach of the order is committing a contempt of court for which they could be imprisoned.
Police have launched a social media appeal and are urging people to share it, particularly with friends or relatives in France and bordering countries.Police have launched a social media appeal and are urging people to share it, particularly with friends or relatives in France and bordering countries.
Ashya's brother Naveed King posted a YouTube video on 23 July speaking about the five-year-old's illness.Ashya's brother Naveed King posted a YouTube video on 23 July speaking about the five-year-old's illness.
He said: "I haven't slept anything really, I've been awake all night worrying.He said: "I haven't slept anything really, I've been awake all night worrying.
"Everyone is sending their love now. We love you so much and we want to see you very soon and I love you so much and can't wait to see you."Everyone is sending their love now. We love you so much and we want to see you very soon and I love you so much and can't wait to see you.
"No kid at the age of five deserves to have a brain tumour.""No kid at the age of five deserves to have a brain tumour."