Police are appealing for help to find a woman who is reported missing with her two children.

Officers received reports at 9am yesterday, Wednesday, June 28, that Cheryl Wilkins, 31, had taken her children, Dylan Wilkins-Barnes, four, and Leo Wilkins, two, from their legal guardian without consent.

Cheryl is described as white, around 5ft 2ins tall, of slim build, with short brown hair and is believed to be wearing a long brown coat, light-coloured jeans and white trainers.

Dylan is described as white, around 2ft 6ins tall, of slim build with brown collar-length hair. It is believed he may be wearing a grey coat and dark-coloured jogging bottoms.

Leo is described as white, around 2ft 3ins tall, of slim build with brown shoulder length hair and is believed to be wearing a blue coat and dark-coloured jogging bottoms.

They were last seen on Canvey but Cheryl has links to St Albans, Hertfordshire, and South Ockendon. Officers don’t believe they have access to a vehicle and are likely to be using public transport.

Chief Inspector Scott Cannon said: “I need the public’s help to find Cheryl, Dylan and Leo as soon as possible.

"There is no indication that any harm has come to them but I am concerned for their welfare and I want to help them. If anyone has seen Cheryl and her two boys I urge them to contact us immediately.

"Equally if Cheryl sees our appeal I want to ask her to contact us to let us know she and the boys are safe.”

Anyone with any information regarding their whereabouts is asked to contact DI Neil Barrett at Basildon CID on 101 quoting reference number 226 of 28/06. Additionally you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.