Officers said that Michael John Cole is a white man of a medium build with short dark hair and, when he was last seen, had a dark beard.

Michael Lee Cole is a white seven-year-old boy of a medium build with short blond hair and blue eyes.

Harry Cole is a white eight-year-old boy of a large build with short blond hair and blue eyes.

Local Policing Area Commander for Bracknell and Wokingham, Superintendent Shaun Virtue said: “A substantial amount of work has been carried out following the initial missing persons report to Thames Valley Police on 2 October, however a court order has since been granted allowing an appeal to be published.

“I want to make an urgent plea to anyone who knows the whereabouts of Michael John Cole or the two boys to please contact police immediately.

“Any information, no matter how insignificant you think it might be, about Michael John Cole or the two boys might help our investigation to ensure they are found safe and well.

“We do not believe Michael John poses any immediate risk to his sons but we do have concerns for the boys’ long-term welfare in terms of access to education and to the National Health Service should it be required in the future.

“We have had help from a number of family members, friends and local residents during our investigation but so far unfortunately we have been unable to locate Michael John and his two sons.

“Although Michael John is from Aborfield he also has links to other areas in Berkshire such as Wokingham, Bracknell and Reading.

“He also has links to Basingstoke in Hampshire, Ludlow and Shrewsbury in Shropshire, and Bridgend and Newport in Wales.

“Anyone with any information should call the 24-hour Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101 quoting reference number 43170291780.”