Search: It has been revealed police spent £16,000 on hunt to find cancer sufferer Ashya King . The grandmother of brain cancer victim Ashya King has criticised police for spending more than £16,000 on the search for him. Hampshire police launched the hunt after the five-year-old, pictured, was taken from Southampton General Hospital by his parents last August so he could be treated abroad. The couple were found in Spain but released without charge. A Freedom of Information request revealed staff and officers claimed £12,712.97 in overtime over six days. A further £1406 was spent on accommodation, £792 on flights, £132 on travel and parking, £213 on food and subsistence and £900 on hiring experts to report to the CPS. Patricia King, 77, said: 'It's disgusting to spend all that money when there's crime going on. It's just a joke. 'It was absolutely disgraceful chasing my son and putting him in prison.' Medics claimed the Kings had put Ashya's life at risk by fleeing the country with him. However after their released he was flown to a hospital in the Czech Republic to undergo proton beam therapy and is now on the road to recovery. Assistant Chief Constable of Hampshire Constabulary Sara Glen said Ashya's welfare was the priority. She said: 'If we receive a report that there is imminent threat to the life of a child, we will act swiftly to provide a response to ensure that the child is located. 'Joke': Ashya's grandmother Patricia King (left) criticised the amount spent on the manhunt after her son took him from Southampton General Hospital (right) 'In such circumstances, we will use all necessary resources available and ensure that we work within our legal framework. 'Our priority was and always will be the welfare of the child. We are pleased to hear about reports of Ashya's progress.'
More than £12,700 spent in overtime payments to officers during search .
Money also spent on accommodation, flights and parking .
Followed parents' decision to take him from Southampton General .
He went on to have successful proton therapy treatment abroad .