The school of the missing Malik family have released a statement in relation to the children who were pupils there.

Claycots School partnership have released a statement regarding the missing Slough family, two of whom were pupils at the Town Hall school site.

Asif Malik, 31, his partner Sara Kiran, 29, and their four children Zoha Malik, seven (girl), Essa Malik, four (boy), Zakariya Malik, two (boy), and Yhaya Malik one (boy), from Slough, were reported missing on Thursday, April 16, having been last seen on Tuesday, April 7.

Police fear the family may be travelling Syria after investigations established that the family boarded a ferry from Dover to Calais, France, at 12.30am on Wednesday, April 8, and before travelling south through Europe, possibly by train.

Police also believe the family may have travelled through Budapest, Hungary, on or around Sunday, April 12.

Relatives says the family left without mentioning any holiday or travel plans, which is very out of character.

Gareth Morris, executive headteacher, said: “We are very shocked by the unexplained absence of the Malik family and we hope the parents and their children come home soon.

“The two children at Claycots flourished with us and were a vital part of the school. We and their friends miss them and hope they are safe and well.

“We are supporting the other children at the school who are concerned for their friends and we would encourage the Malik family to get in touch with their family or the police to assure everyone of their safety.”