A mother from Essex who went missing with her two children may be in St Albans.

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

The family were last seen on Canvey Island, but Cheryl has links to St Albans, Hertfordshire and South Ockendon. Police do not believe they have access to a vehicle and are likely to be using public transport.

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

Dylan is white, around 2ft 6in tall, of slim build and with brown collar-length hair. He is believed to be wearing a grey coat and dark-coloured jogging bottoms.

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

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.