Police hunt kidnapped French girl

21/03/09 20:10 CET

world news

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A major police hunt is underway in France for a three year old girl who was kidnapped in broad daylight in the southern city of Arles.

Elise Andre was walking with her father when they were approached by two men and a woman. State Prosecutor Antoine Paganelli said: “ A woman approached them, snatched the girl and took her to a waiting car. Meanwhile the 2 men beat up the father and left him injured, almost unconscious, on the ground. Then they drove off with the girl.” Elise’s father also made an appeal. He said:” She must be handed to police as soon as possible. I have a damaged eye, an injured head, but the violence must end here.” The abduction has triggered a special alert across France used whenever a child has been abducted and thought to be in danger. Elise’s father is convinced her mother is behind the kidnapping in a custody battle which has gone so terribly wrong.More about: France, Kidnapping, Russia

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