Update: The two children involved in the Amber Alert issued July 19 have been located safe. Their names have been removed from this story to protect their privacy. Read the full update here.
UPDATE: 3 p.m.
The abduction of two B.C. children was pre-planned, according to investigators.
An Amber Alert remains in place as of Monday, and police are releasing more details about the parental abduction.
Police say the children's mother and two men have moved “off the grid” with the kids.
The group is believed to be living in trailers somewhere in a rural area.
“We need the public to be alive to the information and photos we have shared and to be our eyes and ears and continue to call us with any tips and possible sightings,” says Sgt. Tammy Lobb.
Police have received more than 180 tips since the Amber Alert was issued last Wednesday.
ORIGINAL: 11:57 a.m.
The search for two missing B.C. children who have been allegedly abducted by their mother continues on Monday as the family continues to wait for answers.
A provincewide Amber Alert was issued last Wednesday. The children were on a planned camping vacation near Kelowna with their mother but were not returned to their father on July 17 and reported missing the next day.
The children’s mother is believed to be travelling with her father and her boyfriend.
On Monday morning, police confirm with Glacier Media that they still believe the group is in B.C.
"We have no concrete evidence to suggest they have left the province, but they have access to a vehicle and it is a possibility,” says Cpl. Vanessa Munn with Surrey RCMP.
A dedicated tip line has been set up by Surrey RCMP and police are fielding possible sightings from outside of British Columbia.
"To be clear, we have received tips from as far away as Saskatchewan and Alberta; however, none of them have been substantiated at this time,” says Munn.
Police remain incredibly concerned for the well-being of the children and the mother’s ability to care for them.
Numerous agencies are putting resources into the search for the two children. Police officers and investigators from the Southeast District units and the Nelson Police Department are following up on tips and sightings. Search and rescue groups along with BC Conservation Officer Service are conducting ground searches and the RCMP Air Services is doing air searches.
"Our investigators continue to follow up on all tips and avenues of investigation,” Munn said Monday morning.
Anyone with information or who thinks they’ve seen the group is asked to call 604-599-7676 or email: [email protected].
