A FAMILY who went missing from York have been discovered safe and well.

The Allen family have been found living in South Yorkshire after police launched a nationwide search to trace them.

They contacted police after seeing the appeals for information in the media.

South Yorkshire Police have visited the family to make sure they are safe and well.

They were happy that no member of the family was in any danger.

Lisa Marie Allen, 14, and her stepfather Nicholas had disappeared from the home they shared with grandparents last Thursday.

Lisa's mother, Christine, had gone missing several days earlier.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "Nicholas Allen tells us they just needed to get away and sort out some problems and that is what they are doing."

The police have now closed their investigations.

"We would like to thank the media for their help," said the spokesman.

Nobody from the family was available for comment today.

But nearby householders reacted with relief at the news they had turned up. One elderly neighbour, who wished not to be named, said: "It's a massive relief. I'm so pleased they are safe, especially when there are young ones involved."

Mystery surrounding the disappearance of the family deepened yesterday when it was discovered they had left another member of the family behind.

A second girl, ten-year-old Georgie May Allen, had been left at the family home when the family disappeared.

Georgie, who is sister to Lisa Marie and daughter of Christine, had remained safely with her grandparents.

She was staying at the family home in Thoresby Road, Acomb.

Updated: 11:28 Wednesday, September 24, 2003