The brother of missing North Finchley mother Leza McCormack has made an emotional plea for her safe return.

Michael Howard, 23, appeared at a police press conference to urge anyone with information about his sister to come forward. He even took along his four-month-old son Jacob ,, whom Leza has never seen ,, to try to persuade her to come home.

'We do not know if she is alive or not,' said Michael, who had travelled down from his home in Northamptonshire to make the appeal. 'We do not know what could have happened to her ,, to just pack up and go like that does not make any sense.

'This has been been very stressful for the family and I would just like anyone who can help find her to let us know.'

Leza, 34, went missing from her home in Cardrew Close three months ago. She has not been in touch with anyone since, including her children Rory, ten, Jesse, eight, and two-year-old Sydney.

Hopes are fading for Leza's safe return ,, she has not touched her bank accounts and took no belongings with her. It was also revealed that Leza was forced to move to North Finchley after her council flat in Simmons Close, Whetstone, was firebomed just weeks before she disappeared.

Michael said: 'It will be Jesse's ninth birthday on May 14 and we are hoping his mum will return to celebrate it. Leza, even if you do not want to come home, please let us know you are safe.'

Anyone with information can call Colindale police on 020 8358 1685 or Crimestoppers on 0800 111555.