Man ‘tried to abduct’ British girl, 3, in Spain
POLICE are investigating an alleged abduction attempt of a British girl aged three on the Costa del Sol.
The girl’s mother told Spanish detectives a “balding, gypsy-looking” man aged about 50 with a facial scar tried to snatch the youngster after telling her he would buy her sweets.
The incident is a chilling reminder of Madeleine McCann’s abduction, as her parents Kate and Gerry prepare to mark 10 years since she went missing.
Madeleine was also three when she vanished from their holiday flat in the Portuguese resort of Praia da Luz on May 3, 2007.
Screaming
The Costa del Sol incident happened at about 3pm last Tuesday as the 27-year-old mother of two was taking her daughter to a dance class in the holiday resort of Estepona.
She told police a stranger calling himself Paco grabbed her little girl by the hand and tried to take her away with the promise of sweets.
He had initially used a young boy with him to strike up a conversation.
The mother claims the boy and the man fled after she started screaming for help and trying to force him to release his grip on her daughter.
Yesterday, staff at the American Club where the mother sought help said she had rushed in “in a state of panic” and asked them to call police.
One said: “A lot of police came and started a search of the area but found nothing as far as I am aware.”
A resident, who asked not to be named, said: “Everyone is talking about it. It’s very worrying.”
The mother warned friends on social media: “Be aware, in the Estepona area there is a man in his 50s going around trying to take children. He attempted to take my daughter. Be very careful to not let your child out of your sight.”
Police said yesterday: “We are investigating an allegation from a woman who says someone tried to take her child.”
They would not say whether they believe the incident was a serious abduction attempt or just a misunderstanding.
The mother, who is not being identified, said: “I have no doubt that the man tried to take my daughter.
“Spanish people are good with children so I was very shocked, especially because it happened in the middle of the day in a safe place like Estepona.
“I’m still very upset. At first I just thought he was being friendly, but when he wouldn’t let go of her hand I panicked and started screaming.
“It’s important they find this man. I want him taken off the streets.”
The man police want to speak to was wearing dark blue trousers and a black shirt. It is thought the boy seen with him was aged around seven.