Invasion of a Blackburn North home results in the safe and well-being of missing children.
Two small children who went missing from their Melbourne home following a horrific house invasion have been located safe and sound.
On Monday, the five-year-old girl and three-year-old boy disappeared from their Blackburn North home.
The woman, 32, who was apparently bound and gagged, managed to release herself and alert passers-by, who contacted authorities at approximately 8.55 a.m.
The father of the children was not there at the time of the alleged attack.
Their abduction from the house sparked a huge police manhunt across Melbourne.
Earlier on Monday, police stated that they were searching for a black Mercedes that had reportedly been stolen from the residence.
Victoria Police announced the youngsters were discovered on Monday evening in the eastern Melbourne suburb of Mitcham.
“Police discovered the youngsters inside the stolen black Mercedes Benz vehicle at a property on Cochrane Street at approximately 7.20 p.m. tonight,” police said in a statement.
“The children look to be in good health, but they will be evaluated medically.”
Three men and a woman have been arrested and are being questioned by police.
“This is an incredible result, and we are overjoyed that we were able to locate (the children) safely and soundly,” Detective Inspector Dean Thomas said.
“Their parents, understandably, are overjoyed as well.
As I stated earlier today, any incident involving the theft of children from a property is concerning for police and undoubtedly for the broader community. “This was a significant operation conducted by Crime Command detectives, local police, and specialist units in an attempt to locate the children and stolen vehicle.
The four people detained will be interviewed tonight, and we’ll continue to put together exactly what happened. “On behalf of Victoria Police, I’d want to express my gratitude to members of the public and the media for sharing this information with us today.”
The mother of the children was hospitalized following the alleged incident and told police she did not recognize her assailant.
