Police are continuing enquiries to locate 42-year-old Hamilton woman, Lauren Smith, after a warrant for her arrest, for abduction, was issued last week.
“Police believe Ms Way left the country with her 11 year-old son last week and we are working with Interpol and overseas law enforcement to locate them,” said Detective Sergeant Terri Wilson of the Hamilton Child Protection Team.
“This is obviously a stressful time for the family and Police are appealing to Ms Smith and anyone close to her to make contact with New Zealand Police in order to ensure that her son is safe and to resolve this matter as soon as possible.
“Ultimately we would like Ms Smith to return back to New Zealand immediately with her son or to contact local law enforcement where she is staying, so that we can facilitate the safe return of her son back to New Zealand.“
Anyone with information on Ms Smith and her son’s whereabouts is asked to contact Hamilton Police on (07) 858 6200 or they can report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
