A man missing with four children who were the subject of a police appeal have been found “safely and without incident”, police said.

On Sunday evening, Essex police said Jethro Cox, 38, was missing from his home, along with four children aged five, four and a pair of two-year-olds.

In a statement released a few hours later, police said the five had been located successfully.

An Essex police statement said: “We’re no longer searching for Jethro Cox who had been missing with four children. All five individuals have been located safely and without incident.

“We thank everyone who took the time to share our appeal; your efforts really do make a difference.”