A further four people have been arrested in connection with the abduction of three boys by their father.

Imran Safi, 26, took sons Bilal, 6, Mohammed Ebrar, 5, and Mohammed Yaseen, 3, from their home in Coulsdon, south London at around 6pm on August 20, according to police.

Safi is suspected of threatening the brothers’ foster mother at knifepoint and using force to take the youngsters, who have not been seen since.

Four men, aged between 21 and 41, were arrested at a property in Ilford, east London this morning on suspicion of being involved in the abduction, Scotland Yard said.

They are believed to be known to the suspect and have been taken to a south London police station for questioning.

Eight people – all relatives and friends of Safi – have already been arrested on suspicion of involvement in the abduction and were released on bail.

It is understood that the boys were due to be formally adopted by a new family – something detectives believe could be a motive for the abduction.

It is not yet known if Safi, who is an Afghan national and has links to Pakistan, has travelled overseas.

Officers said there is a ‘strong possibility’ Mr Safi may have placed the children with friends or family.

The three brothers were playing in the garden of their foster home in Croydon while their carer was inside just before they were abducted last week.

Safi, who was allegedly armed with a knife, is said to have threatened the foster mother before forcibly taking the boys and driving away.

The foster mother sustained minor injuries during the incident and was left feeling shaken, officers said.

More than 100 officers are currently searching for the children.

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