Timeline: Austria Cellar Case

1977Josef Fritzl is believed to have begun abusing his daughter Elisabeth, who was then aged 11.

August 24 1984

Fritzl allegedly drugged and handcuffed Elisabeth, locking her in a cellar at the family home in Amsteten, north-west Austria.

September 1984

A letter in Elisabeth's handwriting appears, telling her parents to stop looking for her. Police say they believe she could have become a member of a sect.

1988-1989

Kerstin, the first of Elisabeth's seven children, is born in the cellar. The exact date of birth is unknown. Her second child, Stefan, is born around a year later.

May 1993

A nine-month-old baby is found outside the family home along with a note from Elisabeth asking for the child to be cared for.

December 1994

Another baby, Monika, is discovered outside the house along with another note asking for care. Elisabeth's parents are given permission to become foster parents.

May 1996

Elisabeth gives birth to twins, but one dies after three days. Fritzl allegedly burnt the body.

1997

The surviving twin, Alexander, is moved upstairs.

2003

A new note from Elisabeth arrives, saying she had given birth to a son, Felix, a year earlier. He is bought up with Kerstin and Stefan in the cellar.

April 19 2008

Kerstin is admitted to hospital with a life-threatening illness. Police urge Elisabeth to contact them.

April 19-27 2008

Fritzl releases Elisabeth along with Stefan and Felix, the two remaining children in the cellar. He claims Elisabeth has chosen to return home.

April 26 2008

Elisabeth, now 42, and her 73-year-old father appear together at the hospital where Kirstin is being treated. He is arrested on suspicion of sexual abuse and abduction.

April 27 2008

Elisabeth and her children are taken into care. Kirstin remains in hospital in a critical condition.