THE mystery surrounding a York family's disappearance deepened today when it was revealed that a ten-year-old girl had been left behind.

Georgie May Allen, whose elder sister, mother and stepfather have all disappeared, was left at the family home in Thoresby Road, Acomb.

Fourteen-year-old Lisa Allen was last seen getting into a taxi with her stepfather, Nicholas Allen, 30, on Thursday. Police believe the pair later met up with Lisa's mother, Christine, who went missing on Monday, September 15.

But Lisa's sister, Georgie, did not go with her family and was today being cared for by her grandparents.

Police believe the disappearance was planned and have launched a nationwide search for the family. Officers do not know why the trio disappeared but think there may have been financial problems.

Lisa's grandfather, David Allen, said they were concerned for their granddaughter's safety.

He said: "I am not interested in the adults' problems. My only concern is my grandchildren's safety.

"We know Georgie is safe with us but I am worried about Lisa Marie. My heart bleeds for her."

He said the family had been living with him and his wife, Pauline, in their detached house in Thoresby Road.

He said he had not heard from Lisa since she disappeared, but just wanted her to come home.

Mr Allen added he had not heard from his daughter either, but hoped she was alive and well.

A pupil at Oaklands School, Lisa is white, 5ft 1in, with blue eyes and blonde hair with strawberry highlights, which is usually tied back. She wears a brace and speaks in a "posh" voice.

Christine, who according to police suffers from depression, is described as 5ft 4ins, slim, with shoulder-length dark brown hair.

Nicholas, also known as Nicholas Fisher, is white, 6ft 2ins and thin. He has a tattoo of a cross on his left hand.

Lisa was last seen near Oaklands School getting into a taxi with Nicholas. A couple matching their description were then seen getting out of a taxi near Safeway supermarket in Acomb and getting into a white Ford Galaxy car, registration number X798 CAN.

The vehicle matched the description of Christine's car, which she went missing in.

Anyone with information about the family's whereabouts should contact York police on 01904 631321.

Updated: 10:30 Tuesday, September 23, 2003