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.
Police say the mother associated with a provincewide Amber Alert for two missing children is also believed to be travelling with her father and boyfriend.
Surrey RCMP held a news conference Thursday to update the public on the search. Police issued an Amber Alert for the children Wednesday after they were reported missing by their father.
The two children left Surrey, B.C. in the care of their mother on June 28 for a planned camping trip in Kelowna. That camping reservation in Kelowna ended up being cancelled, and the children were not returned to their father as expected on July 17. They were reported missing the following day.
The latest information places the mother in a Kamloops grocery store on July 15. Based on a review of video surveillance, the children were not seen in the store. At that time, she was dressed all in all black, wearing a black baseball cap and black sunglasses.
Cpl. Vanessa Munn with Surrey RCMP said Thursday afternoon it is believed the mother is likely travelling with her father and her boyfriend. Police could not provide details about either man.
The last time the two children were seen was on July 7 in Merritt, while they were passing through the community, in the company of their mother and two men.
RCMP on Thursday morning released images of a dirty dark blue 2012 Dodge Ram 2500, that was pulling a white bumper pull horse trailer. Investigators believe the mother, two men and children are travelling with that vehicle.
Police say the group is also believed to be in possession of an additional, large travel trailer. Photos of that trailer are not available yet but will be released.
“The Surrey RCMP Serious Crime Unit has assumed conduct of the investigation and is actively liaising with Kamloops RCMP,” said Munn, noting "it is possible" they're still in Kamloops. “Investigators are following up on all tips received and continue to pursue all possible investigative avenues.”
The siblings' immediate family shared a statement through the police.
"Our family would like to thank the RCMP for their ceaseless efforts as well as the public, who are sharing the Amber Alert and have been calling in with tips. Our entire family is devastated by recent events. We ask everyone if they could continue to be vigilant... Our family is respectfully asking for privacy at this time."
Munn said Thursday they remain incredibly concerned for the well-being of the children and the mother’s ability to care for them.
She said there is no indication that they have left B.C. at this time. Investigators have received a “large” number of tips and sightings that they are working through.
Anyone who sees the mother or the two children should call 911 immediately.
