Three children who were reported missing with their father have been found dead near Shrewsbury.

Ceri Fuller, 35, left his home in Milkwall, near Coleford, Gloucestershire, last Thursday with his son Sam, 12, and daughters Becka, 8, and Charlotte, 7.

Gloucestershire Police launched a missing persons inquiry and appealed for sightings of Mr Fuller and his children.

Sources said the children had been found dead in the West Mercia Police area.

The three children were understood to have been found with stab wounds in a wooded area in Pontesbury Hill, eight miles from Shrewsbury.

It is believed that Mr Fuller died after falling from the ledge of quarry.

Gloucestershire Police had appealed for sightings of the family, saying they were believed to have been travelling in a red Land Rover Freelander, registration number CK51 YUV.

In a statement, Gloucestershire Police said: "Officers searching for missing man Ceri Fuller and his three children, from the Forest of Dean, have been made aware of the discovery of four bodies in Pontesbury, Shropshire, shortly before 10am this morning.

"While the bodies have yet to be formally identified, 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."

Jan Wagstaff, head teacher of St John's C of E primary school in Coleford, which the two youngest children attended, told the BBC: "Rebecca and Charlotte were absolutely delightful children and a pleasure to have in school. 

"Sam was also a pupil here before he moved on to Lakers. He was a lot of fun and always had a ready smile.

"They will all be very sadly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with their family."

Alison Elliott, head at Lakers School, in Coleford added: "We are desperately sad to hear the family are having to face such a dreadful situation.

"Sam was a well-loved member of our extended family here at Lakers. Our thoughts are with the family at this very tragic time.

"We have arrangements in place to support students, staff, friends and family at this very difficult time."

A statement from paper manufacturer Glatfelter, in Gloucestershire, where Mr Fuller worked, paid tribute to him.

"Everyone at Glatfelter CFBU is saddened by the news of the tragic and sudden death of Ceri Fuller and his children.

"The thoughts of all of the people here at Glatfelter Lydney are with Ceri's family and friends at this extremely difficult time.

"Glatfelter CFBU is continuing to assist police in any way it can with their ongoing investigation."