A FATHER has gone missing with his two young children.

Sussex Police are hunting for Robert Roche and his two children, a boy aged three and a girl aged 18 months who has gone missing from Hove.

Mr Roche, 36, of Palmeira Square, Hove, was last seen setting off from the home at 9am on Monday to take his children to a day nursery in nearby Holland Road.

They did not arrive.

Sussex Police were imformed at 5.30pm when family members realised that they had not returned home.

Mr Roche is white, 5'10", stocky, with dark hair.

His children are three-year-old Joey and 18-month-old Betsy, who was in a very distinctive black 'buggaboo monkey stroller" buggy with a pink hood. There is also a step and a ‘saddle’ by the handle bar.

Detective Inspector Mick Jones, of Sussex Police, said: "We are searching the local area and are keen to hear from anyone who has spotted Robert and his children.

"If you see them or know where they might be, please let us know right away.

“We also ask Robert to get in touch with us so that we can arrange to meet and confirm that he and the children are ok.

“We are not treating the disappearance as suspicious at this stage but it has not happened before and we are naturally very concerned for Robert and especially for his children.”

This morning parents at Joey and Betsy's nursery, Young Friends, in Holland Road, Hove, were shocked to hear the news.

A father, who didn't want to be named, said: “I have known the parents for two years.

“Joey plays with my daughter in nursery.

“Two weeks ago they were at the barbecue the nursery held.

“The dad was a normal guy, and he would say ‘good morning’ and ask people how they were. There was nothing weird.

“It’s quite shocking to hear this.”

A mother said: "I'm shocked as Betsy is in the same group as my daughter. 

"I would see the parents and say hello. 

"I am really shocked to hear." 

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sussex Police on 101 or 999, quoting serial 1053 of August 14.