A statement has been released by relatives, pleading for their missing family to re-think their decision.

A Slough family of six have been reported missing and Thames Valley Police believes they could be making their way to Syria.

The missing people are Asif Malik, aged 31, his partner Sara Kiran, aged 29, and their four children Zoha Malik, aged seven (girl), Essa Malik, aged four (boy), Zakariva Malik aged two (boy), and Yahya Malik aged one (boy).

The family were all last seen on Tuesday, April 7.

They were reported missing to police on Thursday (16/4).

The following is a statement released on behalf of the family of Asif Malik: "With the reality that our loved one Asif Malik and his family have left the UK without any notice, our lives have been completely devastated.

"We are totally distraught, upset and in shock.

"The greatest sadness is the decision by Asif and Sara to travel with their young family, such beautiful children.

"Please Asif, we ask you to think about what has happened and the decisions you have made.

"Please can you ring us or send us a message to let us know that you and the children are well.

"All we wish for is your safe return and especially the return of the children.

"We are not angry with you, we are just heartbroken.

"We ask that if there are others out there considering leaving the UK in this manner, please consider the impact on the family members that you leave behind.

"We respect the position within the media and realise that they are a true help to such an investigation.

We however, as a family, would ask that the media respect our privacy at this tragic time."

Anyone with any information about where the family are should call Thames Valley Police on 101 quoting reference number 342 (19/4).