Missing children found, father arrested

Two children taken by their father have been found after the police used emergency orders to search a house in Whangarei.

Police allege that the 18 month-old and three year-old were taken unlawfully after a domestic dispute between the children's parents yesterday morning.

The children's father James Toby was arrested at about 11am this morning in Kaitaia.

The 54 year-old is due to appear in the Kaitaia District Court tomorrow and will face charges of breaching a protection order, assault with intent to wound, and two other charges of assault.

Police found Mr Toby's car abandoned in the Whangarei suburb of Onerahi.

Detective Kelly Penney said the children were found fit and well and have been returned to their mother.

A 45 year-old man at the house is "assisting police with their inquiries".

- NZ HERALD STAFF