Canoeist's sons: we are angry

John Darwin's explanation for his unexpected visit to a police station, five years after he disappeared at sea, was simple. "I think I'm a missing person," he told officers.

But as the tale that lies behind his reappearance emerges, things have not been so straightforward for family, friends and police as they react to each new twist.

This is particularly evident in the stark contrast between the two statements released by the missing man's sons. The first shortly after their father reappeared and the second today, cutting all contact with their parents.

- The missing man, John Darwin - Of all the players in this saga Mr Darwin, 57, is the only one who has not spoken publicly. But his only reported comment, "I think I am a missing person," is, arguably, one of the key quotes in the investigation.

- The wife, Anne Darwin - Initially Mrs Darwin, 55, told reporters he must be suffering from amnesia. Speaking from Panama, she said: "There must have been an accident when he went out on the canoe. He must have hit his head or something."

But after she was confronted with the fateful snap of the couple she said: "Yes, that's him. My sons will never forgive me. They knew nothing. They thought John was dead. Now they are going to hate me."

- The elderly father, Ronald Darwin - Mr Darwin, 90, from County Durham, said soon after his son's reappearance: "I always thought he would turn up. Now he's got his memory back. When I speak to him, I will ask him where he has been these last few years and I'll ask, 'Why didn't you make arrangements to see me before now?"'

- The aunt, Margaret Burns - The 80-year-old, who last saw her nephew in 2001, said: "I'm a cynic now. To be honest I don't believe he ever got wet. I'm 80 and life has been extremely funny - if you don't laugh about it you will lose your sanity. I'm pleased I have lived to be 80 - I like to know how a story ends. I'm as intrigued as anybody about what happens next."

- The sons, Anthony and Mark Darwin - The couple's two sons, aged 29 and 31, were the first family members to be at their father's side after he reappeared. In a statement, they said: "The news of John's appearance came as a huge shock to the whole family. We are extremely happy he is alive and we are looking forward to spending time with him. Anne has been informed of the good news and is delighted to hear it."

But today they withdrew their support and issued a joint statement condemning their parents.

"Having seen the recent media speculation surrounding our parents ever since our dad was arrested, we are very much in an angry and confused state of mind.

"In the short space of time following our dad's appearance in London on Saturday, we have gone through a rollercoaster of emotion.

"How could our mam continue to let us believe our dad had died when he was very much alive?

"We have not spoken to either of our parents since our dad's arrest and at this present time we want no further contact with them."

- The police - Initially police said Mr Darwin was "tanned and in good health" and made an appeal for information to trace his lost years. But Detective Superintendent Tony Hutchinson admitted yesterday the reappearance had "raised a lot of questions".

"There will be people out there who know exactly where he has been, what he has been doing and where he has been living."

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