Family baffled after couple disappear in Zimbabwe

Police in Zimbabwe are investigating the disappearance in mysterious circumstances of a British woman and her South African husband.

Hilary Allanson and her husband Ken, a dealer in stamps, have not been seen since Wednesday evening when, according to their maid, they were picked up from their home in Harare by another, unknown white couple.

According to Mrs Allanson's brother, Ian Pollard, police at first suspected that the maid had fabricated a story about the car arriving, but the sighting of a vehicle was confirmed by a neighbour.

The couple's passports were still at home, Mr Pollard said yesterday from his home in Newcastle, and checks of morgues had found no bodies matching their description. Mrs Allanson, 58, and her husband have lived in Zimbabwe for more than 30 years and have two adult sons. The brother described them as "completely apolitical".

"They are quiet people," Mr Pollard said. Their usual recreation is staying at home watching television in the evening. They do very little going out.

"I certainly would not expect them to go out at 8 o'clock at night - I know it sounds odd in the British context, but they are very quiet; their recreation is really family and friends.

"We're absolutely desperate. I'm on the phone constantly to relatives from around the world. Their sons hardly know where to turn. The main thing making us worried is the lack of information. We are assuming the worst, but don't have any evidence."

Mr Allanson's sister, Rosemary Rawson, who also lives in Harare, said: "We've followed every possible lead. The police couldn't have been more helpful. People are doing everything they can. Everyone has been wonderful. It's all very strange, a nightmare.

"We don't know who the couple is that they went out with. If we did know, then we would have something to go on."

Last night police in Harare were unavailable for comment. The British high commission in Harare said: "We are in contact with the family in Zimbabwe and the UK, and will provide whatever consular assistance may be required."