Police searching for four children who were abducted by their parents in Shropshire have made a television appeal for help.

Officers received a number of calls from people with information following an appeal on BBC One's Crimewatch programme on Wednesday.

Tara Richards, 35, and Steven Hayward, 33, took the youngsters from social services staff during an arranged contact meeting at the social services office in Wem, Shropshire, on Saturday afternoon.

They were spotted in a white Peugeot 205 car, registration E512 FLE, on Saturday afternoon trying to pay for petrol at a garage in Whitchurch Road, Shrewsbury, with euros.

Very anxious

It was thought the family may have left the country to stay with relatives in Ireland but after Wednesday's appeal police believe they may still be in the country.

The abducted children are 12-year-old Tara Richards, her three brothers Tadhg, who is eight, Charlie, four, and Sid, three.

Detective Inspector Charlie Hill, from West Mercia Police, who is co-ordinating the search, said officers were very anxious to establish contact with their parents.

"It is now six days since the children were taken and as time goes on, we are becoming increasingly concerned."

Mr Hill added: "It is extremely cold here and the wind is blowing and this family don't have the means to support proper hotel accommodation.

The family used to live in Monkmoor, Shrewsbury

"My fear is they may be living rough and suffering the effects of the cold."

All four children had been under the care of social services since May and had been seeing their parents at supervised meetings on a weekly basis.

They were taken just before 1400 GMT.

The family used to live in Bridgeford Way, in Monkmoor, Shrewsbury

As a mother, she loved her kids Family friend Jackie Evans

An internal inquiry has been launched by Shropshire County Council's social services department.

A friend described Ms Richards as a good mother.

Jackie Evans said: "As a mother, she loved her kids.

"She just wanted to be with them. It would tear any mother apart being separated from her kids."

Arm tattoos

Mr Hayward is described as being about 5ft 8in tall, of slim build with green eyes.

He has several tattoos including a bird of paradise and the word "Steve" on his left arm and the words "Dagger, born to lose" on his right arm.

He speaks with a Midlands accent.

Mrs Richards is 5ft 2in tall and of very slim build with blue eyes, shoulder-length light brown, straight hair and has a scruffy appearance.