COCHRANE-Vojacek family heirs are being sought by a search team who believe they have a right to reclaim property in Prague confiscated by the Nazis in 1939.

Records suggest that engineer Dr Jan Vojacek, his wife Mary Cochrane and their family lived in Longwood, Bottom Lane, in Seer Green, around 1963.

It is believed Dr Vojacek adopted his wife's surname and was known as Ian Cochrane but he seems to have left his Seer Green home in 1964, after which records show Mary Cochrane lived with Jessica S Cochrane, who may have been their daughter.

David Lewin is the leader of the London-based Search and Unite team which helps to trace family members who lost contact during the Second World War.

He said: "We have also learned of other Cochranes who lived in Highland Road in 1958 and Gladwyn in Orchard Road. Perhaps they are not related but it would help us if we knew that for sure."

The expiry of a ten-year-old Czechoslovak law at the end of this month means that if the land is not claimed it will be taken over by the Czech Republic government.

"We do our best to ensure that people are not cheated out of anything more than they have already been during the ravages of the war," Mr Lewin said. "This is a very urgent matter however as time is not on our side. We want to hear from anyone who can help us in any way."

Contact Mr Lewin on (0208) 4460404.

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