North Yorkshire Police have arrested eight people on suspicion of assisting an offender as the search for Robert Henry Foster continues.
Foster, 22, is wanted in connection with a serious assault on his 43-year-old father-in-law which occurred at Seamer Caravan Site, in the Stokesley area, at about 5pm on Friday 22 July 2011.
Considerable concern for the safety of Foster’s wife Natalie, 18, and seven-month-old son Robert, was allayed on Sunday evening when both attended Northallerton Police Station following a high profile media appeal.
Two men aged 30 and 20, both from Middlesbrough, appeared at Northallerton Magistrates’ Court yesterday (25 July 2011) charged with wounding with intent. They were remanded in custody and committed to appear at Teesside Crown Court on Thursday.
Extensive efforts to trace Foster remain ongoing and a number of lines of enquiry are being progressed.
Eight people have been arrested and are currently being questioned in custody on suspicion of assisting an offender.
Five are from North Yorkshire: three women aged 18, 62 and 32 and two men aged 68 and 38.
The other three arrests occurred in Middlesbrough: a man aged 56 and two women aged 49 and 47.
Robert Foster
Detective Chief Inspector Kerrin Smith, who is leading the North Yorkshire Police investigation, said: “There will be no let up by the police until Robert Foster is arrested in connection with a very serious assault which left his father-in-law requiring emergency surgery.
“The investigation has intensified with the arrest of eight people who we suspect are withholding information regarding Robert Foster’s whereabouts. They have all been questioned at length and released on bail as we continue the search.
“We will leave no stone unturned and will follow every line of enquiry to secure the arrest.
“Robert, it is time to do the right thing and hand yourself in to the police before we close in on you. By hiding away, you are only making things harder on yourself and others in the long run.”
Anyone with information that can help to locate Robert Henry Foster is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 0845 60 60 24 7, quoting the reference number 12110121906.
Information can also be passed on anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.
