By James Simons-
A man has been arrested on suspicion of child kidnap following the disappearance of a nine-year-old girl from her family’s side in London.
The alarm was raised on Monday at 2:44 pm when authorities received a report of a missing child last seen in Brompton Road. Responding swiftly, the Metropolitan Police initiated “fast time inquiries” upon receiving an image of the child captured on CCTV, believed to be in the company of a man.
Officers promptly circulated the image and deployed to the scene in Knightsbridge.
The man was intercepted by law enforcement officers at Old Court Place, located in west London, at approximately 5:40 pm. Notably, he was found still in the company of the missing child at the time of his apprehension.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrest, stating,
“A 56-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of child kidnap. He was taken to a west London police station where he remains.” The welfare of the child and her family remains a priority, with specialized officers providing support to them during this distressing time.
Authorities say they currently perceive this incident to be isolated, with no indication of involvement by any other individuals.