A MISSING mother and child have been found safe and well.

Gabrielle Batola, who is facing deportation proceedings to send her back to the Republic of Congo, contacted police in Southampton on Sunday after fears were raised for her wellbeing.

Police issued an appeal last because neither she, nor her five-year-old son Mathieu, had been seen since January 7.

Gabrielle, 33, who has lived in Southampton for nearly seven years since fleeing violence in her home country, is fighting a decision to force her out of the country.

She says her life will be in danger if she returns to the Congo, and fears her son would struggle to cope.

Gabrielle’s solicitor, Naheed Ghauri, said her client had been staying with friends while she cleared her head.