Police are appealing to a father who has gone into hiding with his five month old baby, to give her up immediately.

Baby Caitlin Jelicich was due to fly to Wales with her mother on Monday. But her father, Stephen Jelicich, 39, failed to return her as agreed after the weekend. The transfer of Caitlin was due to take place at Henderson Police station.

Caitlin’s mother was returning to live in Wales and left on the flight with another child but without her baby daughter. She is now trying to return to New Zealand.

Anyone who knows where Caitlin is should provide that information to police.

Inspector Hope added: “Under the Guardianship Act, the court has issued a warrant to enforce custody with the safety of the child being the paramount concern, so anyone who knows where the child is should come forward with the details. “