A nationwide hunt for two young girls allegedly abducted from their foster parents at knifepoint ended after they were found safe and well. Sisters Salina Hafeez, five, and Sarah, three, were reported missing from Middlesborough on Wednesday.
It was alleged that their mother Mrs Hafeez, who is separated from the children's father, was in a depressed state. Accompanied by two Asian men, Hafeez took the sisters as they walked home. One of the men helped Hafeez as she threatened the foster mother. The other man was the driver of the red Escort Ford that was used for the alleged kidnapping.
The police were initially very concerned about the safety of the girls and checked certain places where the family had links. Ultimately they were found at an address in the town centre. Four men and three women were arrested in connection with the abduction.
The two sisters, taken into care 18 months ago, were living with foster carers and Hafeez had seen them last on March 25. It is said that they were due for full adoption in the coming months.