THREE children who mysteriously vanished more than two years ago have been found alive in a desert town near Utah.
The youngsters were first reported missing in October 2022 – with cops thinking that their father may have worked with relatives to orchestrate the disappearance.
But following a tip in late August made to local police, officials were able to eventually locate the kids.
They were found in Fredonia, Arizona, just a three hour drive from their home in Beaver County, Utah.
The children had spent two years in the small desert town, living with their grandmother.
Fredonia Police Department revealed that they had been deliberately hidden from the world by family members.
The children’s grandmother and aunt, both unnamed, have been arrested.
Their dad has yet to be tracked down and cops haven’t given any more information on his possible involvement.
They were reportedly living in the Fundamentalist Church of the Latter-day Saints, sometimes referred to as the Mormon Church.
As a religious movement it has come under fire in the past – and is often compared to a cult.
It has been tied over the years to a slew of illegal activities, including child marriages, child abandonment, sexual assault and human trafficking.
A statement from Fredonia cops said the children were freed on September 1 and returned to their mum.
They said: “The Fredonia Police Department would like to thank all involved for their assistance.
“As of today, the children are safe with their mother as this investigation continues.”