The children were found in southern Spain

The children, 12-year-old Tara Richards, Tadhg, eight, Charlie, four, and Sid, three, have been brought back to Britain.

Their parents, 36-year-old Sharon Richards and Stephen Hayward, 33, from Shrewsbury, are being held in prison in Madrid awaiting extradition to Shropshire.

The youngsters were allegedly taken from social services staff during an arranged contact meeting at the social services office in Wem, Shropshire, on 1 February.

'Successful conclusion'

They were found in southern Spain last week following extensive inquiries by West Mercia Police, who led investigations into their disappearance.

The family was featured on BBC television's Crimewatch programme and officers in the incident room at Shrewsbury police station sifted through scores of messages from members of the public.

A team from Shropshire Social Services travelled to Spain last week and returned with the children at the weekend.

The senior investigating officer in the case, Detective Chief Inspector Andy Rowsell said: "The main concern of both the police and social services throughout this inquiry has been the safety and well-being of the children.

"We are obviously delighted they are safe and well and that the search for the children has reached a successful conclusion."

He added: "Throughout this time, we have worked closely with Shropshire Social Services.

'Time of great difficulty'

"I would also like to thank the public and media for their support. The responses we received from them have played a major part in the inquiry and we are grateful for their assistance."

John Weeks, Shropshire County Council's Corporate Director of Social Care and Health said: "I am delighted that a time of great difficulty and uncertainty for these children has been brought to an end.

"It is a relief that they are now back safely."