Missing Woman And Her 18-Month-Old Son Who Had Not Been Seen Since New Year's Eve Are Found Safe And Well

Ilena Tomoiaga vanished more than a week ago with her 18-month-old son Daniel after telling friends she was going to Tesco. She contacted police on Thursday to say she was safe and wel

A mother and her 18-month-old son who vanished more than a week ago after leaving their house to go to Tesco have been found.

Ilena Tomoiaga sparked a police search after she left her home in Uckfield, Sussex, with her son Daniel around 2.30pm on New Year's Eve. 

The 29-year-old had told family she was going to the nearby Tesco Express as she needed a phone charger and wine. Relatives alerted officers on New Year's Day when she did not return home.

Miss Tomoiaga contacted police to say the pair was 'fine' on Thursday afternoon.

Photographs that had been released by officers in a bid to find Miss Tomoiaga, who is thought to be Romanian, showed her happily clutching Daniel as she stood in the sun on a residential street.

Concerns were raised after police tried to contact the young mother on Facebook but did not get a response.

The Metropolitan Police also helped with the search as Miss Tomoiaga used to live in London and 'missing' posters were distributed.

Following her message, Sussex Police said it would like to thank the public for their assistance in the search.

Shannon Marchesani, of the East Sussex Missing Persons team, previously said officers were 'concerned' about the pair's whereabouts.

She had said: 'The evidence shows that Ileana left home completely of her own accord and there are still no suspicious circumstances. 

'However she did not leave with anything to prepare either of them for even a short stay away and nothing has been heard since.' 

Sussex Police added on Twitter on Thursday: 'Missing #Uckfield woman Ileana Tomoiaga and her son have been found safe and well. Thanks for all your retweets.'