PEOPLE in Huddersfield could hold the key to finding a missing toddler.

Two-year-old Anatoliy Alix Tarhuny was taken from his home in Watford by his mother Tetyana Rabin Tarhuny in February.

It is believed the pair left the country, toured France, Malta and the Ukraine - where Mrs Tarhuny is a citizen - before returning to the UK in July.

After her return, 24-year-old Mrs Tarhuny is believed to have called some of the many friends she has in Huddersfield.

Now Anatoliy's father, Majeed Alan Tarhuny, is appealing for anyone with information about his son's whereabouts to come forward. Mr Tarhuny, who lives in Watford, last saw his son on December 5 last year.

On October 10 this year, Mr Tarhuny won permission from the Family Division of the High Court to make Press appeals for information on his son's whereabouts.

Anatoliy is also known as Reeda Mansur Tarhuny and was born in Watford, although his parents' marital home was in Luton.

The boy was made a ward of court five weeks ago, meaning the court has responsibility for him and his name and circumstances cannot be changed without the court being informed.

Mr Tarhuny's solicitors, E M Collins and Co in Middlesex, believe Anatoliy is still with his mother, who is also known as Tetyana Brochanicko and Nadia Tarhuny.

The firm said there were fears about how the pair were supporting themselves as Mrs Tarhuny had little money.

She is thought to be using an assumed name because checks of women's refuges and hostels have failed to find anyone called Tarhuny.

Mrs Tarhuny also has links to Luton, Liverpool and the Stratford area of east London.

Anatoliy has mousy hair and brown eyes. His mother has green eyes and was last seen with shoulder-length, light brown hair.

She is about 6ft tall.

It is thought that she may have started wearing a head covering and often dresses in black.

Anyone with information is asked to contact E M Collins and Co on 020 8866 1820.