Police appealed for information about a missing mother and her 12-year-old son, who had not been heard from since they went to France eight years ago.

Sarah Sisson, 37, and Harvey Belshaw, 12, were last seen boarding a ferry from Dover to Calais in a black Renault Megane on Saturday, October 8, 2016.

Ms Sisson and Mr Belshaw, from Whale Hill in Middlesbrough, have not been in contact with family or friends since arriving in France eight years ago.

They were reported missing by Ms. Sisson’s brother shortly before 23:00 on 24 October 2016.

The couple are believed to have links to Spain, Gibraltar, Germany and France.

When Ms Sisson was last seen, she was described as being of large build with long blonde hair.

Mr Belshaw was described as being approximately five feet tall, of slim build, and with long blonde hair on top.

Over the past eight years detectives have investigated with French authorities, looked at CCTV and spoken to relatives and friends.

On the eighth anniversary of their reported disappearance, Cleveland Police are asking the public for anyone with information to come forward.

Detective Inspector Matt Hollingsworth said: “Since Sarah and Harvey were reported missing we have continued to investigate any new information that comes to light.

“Eight years later, Sarah and Harvey’s family and friends still don’t know their whereabouts and argue how out of character it was for them not to have been in contact.

“I would like to take this opportunity to appeal to anyone who may have information, no matter how small, about the whereabouts of Sarah and Harvey to come forward and speak to us.

“It is never too late to provide information and if you are worried about speaking to the police you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Ms Sisson’s brother David said: “Sarah and Harvey remain in our thoughts every day.

“We all missed out on so many life experiences over those eight years, especially Harvey’s transformation from boy to man.

“It would be an understatement to say how worried we as a family are about their disappearance and the devastating impact it has had on us all.

“But we remain hopeful and continue to look forward because that’s all we can do.

“To see them safe and sound after eight long years would be a dream come true.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or visit Cleveland Police’s website.