AN APPEAL has been launched to help trace a man and his two young boys who have been missing since October 2.

Michael John Cole, 43, from Arborfield in Berkshire and his two boys, Michael Lee Cole, aged eight, Harry Cole, aged seven have been missing for more than two weeks.

Thames Valley Police say there is no immediate risk to the two young boys but there are concerns for their long-term welfare in terms of access to education and to the National Health Service should it be required in the future.

It is believed that Michael John Cole could be in another area of Berkshire, such as Reading or Wokingham, but it is reported that he also has links to Basingstoke and North Hampshire.

Local policing area commander for Bracknell and Wokingham, Superintendent Shaun Virtue said: “I want to make an urgent plea to anyone who knows the whereabouts of Michael John Cole or the two boys to please contact police immediately.

“Any information, no matter how insignificant you think it might be, about Michael John Cole or the two boys might help our investigation to ensure they are found safe and well.

“We do not believe Michael John poses any immediate risk to his sons but we do have concerns for the boys’ long-term welfare in terms of access to education and to the National Health Service should it be required in the future.”

Michael John Cole is described as a white man of a medium build with short dark hair and when he was last seen had a dark beard.

Seven-year-old Michael Lee Cole is described as white, of a medium build with short blond hair and blue eyes, while Harry Cole is a white of a large build with short blond hair and blue eyes.

Superintendent Virtue added: “We have had help from a number of family members, friends and local residents during our investigation but so far unfortunately we have been unable to locate Michael John and his two sons.

“Although Michael John is from Aborfield he also has links to other areas in Berkshire such as Wokingham, Bracknell and Reading. He also has links to Basingstoke in Hampshire, Ludlow and Shrewsbury in Shropshire, and Bridgend and Newport in Wales.”

Anyone with any information to the whereabouts of these three people should contact the police on 101 quoting 43170291780.