THE foster carer of two sisters snatched at knifepoint by their mother made an emotional appeal for their safe return last night.

The woman, who is not being named, spoke out after the screaming girls were abducted in broad daylight by Shanaz Hafeez as the foster mother walked with them in a residential street in Linthorpe, Middlesbrough.

The terrified children, Salina, five, and three-year-old Sarah, were bundled into a car on Wednesday afternoon and have not been seen since.

The carer, who has been looking after them for 15 months, was threatened with a knife by the children's 29-year-old mother but was unharmed.

In a statement released by Cleveland Police, she said the sisters were happy girls, who were full of fun, with lots of friends and who enjoyed going to school.

She said: "I was holding their hands as we walked home when the car drew up.

"It was a traumatic, terrifying event for all of us. I was so shocked I couldn't scream.

"The girls were grabbed from me and bundled into the car. All I want is to see them back safe and sound.

"I haven't been able to sleep since. Every time I close my eyes I can see them looking back at me from the car and screaming.

"I can hear the screams in my head."

The foster parent said she had become very close to the girls in the time she had looked after them.

"Please, if anyone knows where they are, let the police know," she pleaded.

Police have launched a nationwide hunt for the family, and ports and airports across the UK have been put on alert.

The girls were abducted shortly after 3pm when their mother and an unidentified man approached the foster carer as she walked with the girls in Cornfield Road.

After threatening the carer, Mrs Hafeez and the man each took one of the girls and bundled them into the rear of a red Ford Escort and drove off.

A second man was at the wheel and drove towards St Edward's Primary School in The Avenue.

Detective Superintendent Tony Hutchinson, who is leading the search, said he was concerned for the children's welfare and the mother who was in a distressed state.

He said the girls were taken into care 18 months ago and were living with foster parents in Middlesbrough.

Mrs Hafeez, who is separated from her husband, last saw the youngsters on March 25 for an arranged visit when she was extremely depressed.

Mr Hutchinson said: "We do have concerns not only for her well-being but also the children.

"Since this incident took place there have been no sightings.

"Our primary concern at this time is to ensure the safe return of the girls".

Detectives traced the registered keeper of the car but were told it was sold some time ago.

They are appealing for anyone who may have seen the vehicle, registration number M679 NPY, to contact them.

Mr Hutchinson said: "What we want is to ask the public to be our eyes and ears. We especially want help from the Asian community.

"We want to hear from anyone who may know where these children are.

"We are working closely with the social services and the local authority to resolve this matter."

Police said the children had been living with their mother before they were taken into care but were unable to comment at this time on the reasons for the separation.

Detectives have spoken to the father of the two girls, who is also Asian and lives in Middlesbrough, as well as other members of the family.

They could not say at this stage who was involved in the abduction.

"We are in contact with many members of the family but it would be wrong to comment on any individual's feelings about what has happened," said Mr Hutchinson.

More than 60 officers have been assigned to the case and an incident room has been set up at police headquarters in Ladgate Lane, Middlesbrough.

Mrs Hafeez is described as Asian, of medium build with long black hair.

At the time of the abduction she is believed to have been wearing a light blue knee-length cardigan.

The girls and their mother are thought to have family links in the Manchester and West Yorkshire areas.