British Couple Detained Over Alleged Kidnapping Attempt on Spanish Holiday Island
A British couple have been arrested in connection with an alleged attempted kidnapping on a busy street in the Spanish holiday island of Majorca. The incident occurred in broad daylight in the Son Ferriol neighbourhood of Palma, sending shockwaves through the local community.
Alleged Attack in Broad Daylight
The pair allegedly tried to force a 64-year-old Spanish woman into their car as she walked down the road around 1pm on Sunday. According to reports, the man, believed to be in his early 40s, exited his vehicle on Maria Ana Bonafe street and approached the woman before attempting to bundle her into the car.
The victim began to struggle vigorously, ultimately throwing herself to the ground and screaming for help. Her desperate cries alerted witnesses, including her own husband, who rushed to her aid and successfully prevented the alleged kidnap attempt.
Victim's Harrowing Account
The daughter of the targeted woman, identified as Isabel, provided chilling details to the island newspaper Cronica Balear. 'She was waiting for me because we were going to see my niece in a competition,' Isabel explained. 'A white car pulled up alongside her and the driver, who was wearing pyjamas, started trying to force her into the vehicle while shouting aggressively, "I'm telling you to get in."'
Isabel described how her terrified mother's husband and other Good Samaritans from a nearby shop came to her rescue after she flung herself on the ground to resist the alleged kidnappers. 'The man who had been waiting inside the car decided to get out at that point and fetch his companion before they both fled before police arrived,' she added.
'I was surprised at first not to see mum when I arrived because she's always waiting for me at the same spot,' Isabel recalled. 'When I saw such a large crowd gathered, I got out of the car and saw my mother lying on the ground. She suffered bruises all over her body, but her neck is hurting the most.'
Police Investigation and Arrest
The British couple were arrested near the scene approximately one hour after the incident. A spokesman for the National Police in Majorca confirmed: 'I can confirm a British couple have been arrested and are currently being held in custody over an incident that occurred around 1pm yesterday in the Palma neighbourhood of Son Ferriol. They are middle-aged, aged between 40 and 45.'
The police spokesman added that the woman targeted is in her early sixties and was taken to hospital with only minor injuries, being discharged shortly afterwards. 'We are still investigating what happened and hope to be in a position to release more information later,' he stated.
A well-placed source described the incident as 'very bizarre one to say the least.' Local reports suggest the British couple may have targeted the woman because they intended to rob her, possibly believing her age made her an easy victim. The case is now being investigated by a police unit specialising in combatting robbery and muggings.
Recent Similar Incidents Involving British Nationals
This alarming event comes just weeks after two British tourists were arrested over a fake kidnapping plot in Benidorm, where they demanded a ransom of £725. The pair sent a relative a bogus video purportedly showing one suspect threatening to kill his 'blood-covered' friend with a knife.
Police in Costa Blanca suspended all other investigations and called in backup from a specialist anti-hostage unit based in Madrid after receiving a tip-off from Interpol via UK police. They were preparing for a raid on a hotel where they believed the alleged victim was being held, but called off the operation when they saw the supposed victim strolling out of the establishment in a 'relaxed and amicable way' with his alleged captor.
The British nationals, aged 51 and 37, were arrested for simulating a crime and fraud and could face prison time along with substantial fines for paralysing police activity in the region.
The Majorca incident continues to be thoroughly investigated as authorities work to determine the exact motives behind the alleged kidnapping attempt and whether there are any connections to other criminal activities involving British nationals in Spanish holiday destinations.
