A 28-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman have been arrested by Alicante Local Police after being accused of leaving a child of just over two years old in a state of abandonment.
The incident took place on Tuesday, 21st July, at lunchtime in a central car park in the city of Alicante. Two passers-by alerted the authorities after discovering the young child alone next to a vehicle in an environment with obvious hygienic deficiencies.
When officers arrived at the location, the girl, who was born in October 2023 and did not share surnames with the arrested pair, showed clear signs of neglect. Her nappy was visibly dirty and had not been changed for a long period, and she gave off a strong odour.
Following an initial evaluation by healthcare personnel who arrived in an ambulance, the toddler was transferred to the Doctor Balmis General Hospital for a paediatric check-up. She was subsequently admitted to the Antonio Fernández Valenzuela Provincial Home, where she remains under provisional guardianship.
Nearby, officers found the couple inside the car, reclined in the front seats in a drowsy state from which they took time to recover. Several containers of prescription medication were discovered inside the vehicle.
During the search, police confiscated twenty-five 200 euro notes and five 500 euro notes—amounting to a total of 7,500 euro—as well as 5,760 Swiss francs (around 6,200 euro) and eight mobile phones. Part of the cash was hidden in the woman’s groin area along with one of the devices.
Both detainees, who are Algerian nationals, were initially taken to a health centre and, once recovered, were placed in police custody as alleged perpetrators of child abandonment.
The Councillor for Security, Julio Calero, publicly congratulated the officers involved, stating that their action prevented “a possible tragedy”. He described the events as “abominable” and highlighted the professionalism of the Local Police, especially in safeguarding vulnerable people.
Other Articles
English academy owner sentenced for summer course fraud
