Two young children, whose disappearance sparked a massive search, after the car they were passengers in was stolen from outside a shop in Manchester, have been found safe.

A three-year-old girl named Holly and a boy called Harry, aged two - were found in an abandoned Ford Orion in the Audenshaw area of the city some eight hours after their abduction.

Police said a member of the public rang officers at around 01.30GMT on Sunday to report that the car, containing the children, had been dumped in a built-up area near where the vehicle was stolen.

Crisis over

It brings to an end a drama which started at 18.35GMT on Saturday when the children's father left them waiting in his light blue Ford Orion while he went into a newsagents in Audenshaw Road, Audenshaw.

Police said the man, who has not been named, left the engine of the car running. When he returned to the vehicle it was missing - along with his two children.

The alert was raised to find the youngsters and details of the stolen vehicle were publicised.

Back to top | BBC News Home | BBC Homepage	©