Four children who went missing from their home in Ardee, County Louth since Thursday have been found safe and well in County Down.

A 30 year-old-man, Steven Appleton, and a 28-year-old woman have been arrested and are currently helping the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) with their inquiries.

The children, who are originally from West Sussex in Britain, moved to Ardee in December 2010 and they were reported missing from their home in Tullykeel, Ardee on Thursday.

The children's mother, who had been away receiving hospital treatment, reported them missing when she returned home.

The children were found at Newcastle Country Cottages, a vacation spot overlooking the Mourne mountains.

The police, who were reportedly led to the scene by a tip-off from a member of the public, have refused to give further details of the case as they investigate.