Missing woman in custody dispute with ex

A MOTHER who has been missing from her home for a more than a fortnight is engaged in a court dispute with her estranged husband, it emerged yesterday.

Theresa Riggi, 46, and her three children disappeared from their home in Skene, Aberdeenshire, prompting a police appeal for information on her whereabouts.

Mrs Riggi was last seen with her twin sons Luca and Austin, both eight, and five-year-old daughter Cecilia at Mosslea Cottage on 4 July.

Four police forces are searching for the family after possible sightings in the Lothian and Kilmarnock areas.

It is believed that Mrs Riggi and her husband, Pasquale, have separated.

He is understood to have raised a family action against his wife at the Court of Session in Edinburgh earlier this year. Family action cases typically involve divorce or child custody proceedings.

Police refused to comment on the case but said they did not believe the court action was the reason behind her disappearance.

Grampian Police Detective Constable Claire Davis said: "The response so far has been really helpful, but we are still very keen to confirm where Theresa and the children are. Anyone who knows her or have had contact with her over the past few days should pick up the phone and let us know."

Blinds and curtains at the family bungalow in Skene were pulled shut yesterday.

Neighbours said police had called round and asked them questions about the family.

One neighbour said: "I haven't seen anyone at the house for some time."

Mrs Riggi, who also uses the surname Butimore, is believed to be driving a blue Chrysler Voyager people carrier, registration number Y956 BNG.

She is 5ft 7in tall with a slender build and long blonde hair.

The mother of three also has pierced ears, distinctive blue eyes and wears either contact lenses or glasses.

Luca and Austin are both about 4ft 8in tall, with short dark hair. Austin is slightly broader than Luca. They often wear the same clothes but are not identical twins.

Cecilia is about 4ft tall, of medium build with shoulder- length dark hair which she regularly wears in a ponytail.

Police said the family all speak with American accents.

Anyone with information which could assist police should contact Grampian Police on 0845 600 5700, or phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.