Three children snatched from their foster home by their own parents have been returned to the care of social services.

The youngsters were returned to Thurrock Council social services late last night (Thursday), but while a council spokesman refused to disclose how the children were recovered, a police source admitted relatives may have helped bring them back.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "It is possible a third party assisted the return of the children but we are unable to confirm the identity of that person.

"However, we are still very keen to speak to the mother Sarah Barnes and urge her to contact us as soon as possible."

Police launched a hunt for the couple after Clare, aged three, Yasmin, aged two and six-month-old Murad Budancamanak were taken from the house in Thurrock, allegedly under a threat of violence, at 2.30am on Wednesday.

It was believed the children were with their mother, 22-year-old Sarah, and their father Murat Budancamanak, who is thought to have family links with Turkey.

Ms Barnes later contacted council staff to say she had the two girls and baby boy.

A Thurrock council spokesman said: "She contacted our social services department to tell us the children were with her and were safe.

"The abduction of the children ended satisfactorily when they were returned to social services late on Thursday night."

"The children appear to be safe and well."

By Carl Eve

Reporter's e-mail: carl.eve@notes.newsquest.co.uk

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