Seven 'fat family' children in care

The so-called "fat family" from Dundee was split up amid concerns over the siblings welfare.

The children, who include a newborn girl and a 13-year-old boy, also have weight problems.

They were removed by social workers following a meeting of the Children's Panel, STV News reported. The 40-year-old mother reportedly weighs 23 stone and her 53-year-old husband weighs around 18 stone.

Dundee City Council intervened earlier this year after questions were raised over the care provided by the couple, who cannot be named to protect the identity of their children.

The mother gave birth to her youngest earlier this week. Two children aged three and four were taken into care earlier this year.

The local authority said any decision to remove children from their family would not be made solely on the basis of a their weight. A council spokesman said: "Any decision about a child's situation is given full and careful consideration. In many cases, social workers will have been providing a high level of professional and caring support to a family for many years in a bid to keep them together.

"However, the welfare and safety of a child or children is the over-riding priority and in some cases, despite the strenuous efforts of the agencies providing this support, the best option is for them to be looked after away from their home. Councils will always act with the welfare and safety of children in mind and there can be many reasons for action being taken."

The council said decisions were made by the Children's Panel based on evidence provided by the local authority and health agencies.

The mother told STV News of her distress at having two children removed earlier this month. She said: "All I hear from the two lassies is 'can we come home' and I tell them 'soon darlings'. It hurts. I will take my kids to the obesity clinic and help them get the help that they need. I want the best for my kids - that's the kind of mother I am."