Car found after being stolen with two children inside.

East Area police have launched an investigation after being called at 19:55hrs on Monday, 21 November following a report that a car with two children inside had been stolen from Bentry Road, Dagenham.

The car and children were found safe and well a short time on Joyners Road in Dagenham.

The incident is being treated as an opportunity rather than a targeted abduction attempt.

The car is believed to have been stolen while the driver of the car parked up and got out momentarily.

Inspector Simon Biggs of the East Area Command Unit said: “I understand that this will be an incredibly alarming incident for local residents both in terms of the nature of the incident and the police response. We are all incredibly relieved that the children were found safe and well. All current indications suggest that this was not an attempt to abduct the children but an opportunist car theft.

“Our investigation is underway to identify those responsible and anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 and quote CAD 6461/21Nov without delay.”