Girl, 9, ‘kidnapped’ outside Harrods while shopping with family

A man has been arrested on suspicion of kidnapping after a girl, nine, was ‘snatched’ from outside Harrods in London while her parents shopped.

The youngster was found about three hours after she was reported missing at 2.44pm yesterday.

CCTV footage showed the girl walking with a man at 2.29pm outside the luxury department store in Knightsbridge, The Sun reported.

A man, 56, has been arrested.

A police spokesperson said: ‘Police were called at 2.44pm on Monday, April 22 to reports of a missing child at Old Court Place, W8.

‘Officers attended. At the scene, a nine-year-old girl had become separated from her family.

‘Fast-time enquiries were conducted and an image of the child in the company of a man, taken from CCTV, was circulated to officers.

‘The suspect was stopped by officers at 5.40pm. He was still in the company of the child.

‘TA 56-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of child kidnap. He was taken to a west London police station where he remains.

‘The child and her family are being supported by specialist officers.’

Harrods said in a statement to Metro.co.uk: ‘We supported the Metropolitan police with an incident outside Harrods that has now thankfully been resolved.

‘We cannot comment any further on the details as it is a police matter but are thankful the Met Police’s swift actions led to this safe resolution.’

This is a developing news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.

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