The bodies of three children mising from their home in the Forest of Dean since last week have been found in woodland while their father is also believed to have died after falling from a cliff at a quarry.

The bodies of Sam Fuller, 12, and sisters Rebecca, eight, and Charlotte, six, were discovered in Shropshire after their father Ceri Fuller vanished with them last Thursday.

Police issued a missing persons appeal after Mr Fuller left his home in Milkwall, near Coleford, Gloucestershire.

It was originally believed that the paper mill worker was taking his family for a trip to Barmouth or Harlech, north west Wales, where they had previously been on holiday.

The discovery of the four bodies was made by a police officer in a wooded area in Pontesbury, Shropshire, shortly before 10am on Monday morning (July 16th).

The bodies were due to be formally identified yesterday, July 18th) but Mr Fuller's family have been informed of the discovery and are being supported by police Family Liaison Officers. The investigation into the deaths is being conducted by West Mercia Police.

The deputy coroner for Shropshire, Mr Andrew Barkley, has been informed and officers have sealed off the area. Forensic examinations of the area will take place in due course.

Gloucestershire Constabulary issued the following statement from Ruth Fuller, the wife of Ceri Fuller and the mother of Rebecca, Charlotte and Sam Fuller: "I don't have the words to describe how l feel at the moment. All I would ask is that I be left alone to grieve for my family."