John Fahey Four children stranded in Venezuela when their parents were arrested allegedly trying to leave the country with suitcases stuffed with cocaine were last night reunited with family members.

Relatives flew out to see the children who had been placed in foster care when Paul and Laura Makin were taken into custody, the Foreign Office said.

Mr Makin, 31, and his wife were arrested on Monday at Porlamar airport on the holiday island of Margarita as they tried to board a flight to London. They were immediately detained and their twins Libby and Lucy, aged two, were taken into care.

They were joined by Mrs Makin's children from a previous relationship - Jack, eight, and Megan, seven.

The family had been on a First Choice package holiday.

Councillor Brian Kenny, chairman of governors at the eldest children's school, Mersey Park Primary, said last night: "It is obviously a very traumatic situation for the children - the whole situation sounds really horrific."

News of the arrests stunned the couple's family back home in Merseyside.

Mr Makin's mother, Chris Makin, said: "I am in the dark. I am just interested in getting the children back in the country."

Mr Makin's grandmother, Margaret Makin, a widow, said she was under the impression the couple were getting divorced. Speaking from her home in Moreton, Wirral, she said she knew Mr Makin was going on holiday but could not believe he was arrested allegedly carrying 53lb of the Class A drug.

As news of Mr Makin's arrest broke, Merseyside Police confirmed a warrant for his arrest was issued 10 days ago. Mr Makin, of Woodchurch, Birkenhead, was due to stand trial at Liverpool Crown Court on February 9 charged with affray and possessing a machete.

The charges stemmed from an incident in Prenton, Wirral, last September, police said.

But he failed to turn up and the judge issued the warrant.

A legal source last night described Mr Makin as "no angel", but said the charge was not likely to make him flee "half way round the world".

"I would be very surprised if there's a connection between the two," the source said.

A Foreign Office spokesman last night said embassy staff were providing help but "family members are now in attendance".

He added: "Embassy consular staff have travelled to Margarita Island and are keeping in close touch with the authorities and those detained and are monitoring the welfare of the children.

"We can confirm we were in touch promptly with family in the UK and are keeping them fully informed."

A source said Mr Makin, who will appear before a court with his wife in 30 days, did not want his mother told of the arrest "until he knew how serious it was".

It was unclear whether the couple would remain behind bars until the next court date.

Last night it was unclear if they had been charged.