A 35-year-old British man, originally from Manchester, has been arrested in Barcelona on suspicion of attempting to snatch a two-year-old child from a city park. The alleged incident, which has sparked an ongoing investigation, occurred on Sunday evening in the Sant Andreu neighbourhood.
Quick-Thinking Brother Thwarts Alleged Abduction
The suspect's attempt was reportedly foiled by the toddler's 12-year-old brother. According to local reports, the teenager intervened by trying to punch the man, forcing him to flee the scene. Police rushed to the park after the alarm was raised and tracked down the suspect using descriptions provided by witnesses.
UK Past Revealed: Suspect's Criminal History
Upon taking the man into custody, Catalan police discovered he had a previous criminal history in the United Kingdom. The suspect is known to UK authorities for previous child sex offences and a separate incident involving a weapon in a school. It remains unclear whether he had been merely arrested or was convicted and placed on a sex offenders register for these past crimes.
A spokesman for the regional Mossos d'Esquadra force confirmed the arrest, stating: "I can confirm an arrest took place following reports a man tried to snatch a child in a park in the Sant Andreu area of Barcelona." The spokesman declined to comment further on the suspect's reported UK criminal record.
Bail Conditions and Ongoing Probe
Following a closed court hearing before an investigating magistrate, the suspect was released on bail pending the continuing investigation. As part of his bail conditions, he has been banned from going within 50 metres of the park where the alleged attempted abduction took place.
The man is understood to be currently living in Barcelona's Zona Franca area, a large industrial and logistics district situated between the Port of Barcelona and El Prat airport. The case continues as Spanish authorities piece together the full details of the disturbing event.
