A night of fear and worry is over for a North Queensland mother after her four children were returned safely this morning.
Police allege Joshua Carter abducted the children from their home at The Leap, 20 minutes north of Mackay, at about 11:30am yesterday.
Inspector Regan Draheim said the siblings were returned to their home at 9.20am today.
He said the children were in the process of being reunited with their mother, who was at the police station when the children were found.
"They've been located safe and well but I'm not sure what state of mind they are in," Inspector Draheim said.
"The fact they they were returned so early this morning would indicate they probably haven't travelled too far."
Police fielded calls throughout the night after an amber alert was issued yesterday for the three girls and the boy aged between three and eight.
He said the circumstances of the incident were still being investigated and that Mr Carter was still at large.
It is believed Mr Carter is using a white Nissan Patrol with registration plates 063-BC9.
Search continues
Mr Carter has been described as Caucasian in appearance with a solid build, a shaved head and a bushy beard.
He also has a number of distinctive tattoos, including on his face and neck.
People were urged not to approach Mr Carter, but police said they did not believe there was an "ongoing threat" to the public.
Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or phone triple-0.
