A man arrested for allegedly trying to abduct a five-year-old girl at a busy street market in Fuengirola has been released on provisional bail.
The suspect, a Finnish national detained on March 1, appeared before a court in Fuengirola on Wednesday after being held following the incident at the town’s popular Sunday market on Calle Mendez Nuñez.
The investigating judge ordered his provisional release but imposed strict measures, including a 500-metre restraining order from the child and a ban on living in Fuengirola or neighbouring Mijas while the investigation continues.
According to the court, the man remains under investigation for attempted illegal detention.
The arrest happened during the town’s weekly market after members of the public alerted police.
Officers from the Fuengirola Local Police, who were already on duty in the area, quickly intervened and detained the suspect.
The girl is believed to be the daughter of stallholders at the market and had been playing near the Fantasia park area when the man allegedly tried to take her away.
Both the suspect and the witness gave statements in court on Wednesday morning.
After hearing the testimony, and following a request from prosecutors, the judge allowed the man to be released under the precautionary conditions while the case continues to be investigated.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
