Mother snatches girls at knifepoint

A mother has abducted her two young children at knifepoint from their foster parents, police said today.

Police have launched a nationwide hunt for Shanaz Hafeez after she snatched children Salina, five, and threeyearold Sarah from their carers in Middlesbrough yesterday afternoon.

The children were bundled into a red Ford Escort by their mother and two men after the incident in the town's Cornfield Road.

Detective Superintendent Tony Hutchinson said he was concerned for the welfare of the children and the mother as she was in an "extremely depressed state".

The children were taken into care 18 months ago.

Mr Hutchinson added: "Since this incident took place there have been no sightings. There are believed to be family links in the Manchester and West Yorkshire areas."