Updated, 2.23pm, Sunday: The Eaton children have been found safe and well in Co Louth. Original story below.

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GARDAÍ IN LOUTH have issued a photograph of the four siblings missing from near Ardee in Co Louth.

Chloe Eaton, 12, and her siblings Jessica, 10, Jon, 5, and Megan, 1, have not been seen since they left their home at Tullykeel in Ardee, Co Louth on Thursday.

It is believed the four children are in the company of a 30-year-old male named Steven Appleton, a UK native, and another woman.

These evening Gardaí also released an image of Appleton, which is reproduced below.

Gardaí believe it is possible that the children have been taken to Northern Ireland, or possibly onto Britain form there.

Officers had previously discussed the possibility that two other young children were in the adult couple's company, but said that these two children are not subject of a missing persons appeal.

The man has the use of an English registered silver coloured Vauxhall Zafira car, with the registration number DY08 JYF.

Anyone with information to offer is asked to contact Gardaí at Ardee on (041) 687 1130 or the Garda Confidential line at 1800 666 111.