A man of around 60 years old, reportedly of Czech nationality, attempted to snatch a one-year-old baby in broad daylight yesterday afternoon (Saturday) in Lanzarote.
The incident occurred on Avenida Eugenio Rijo Rocha in Arrecife at around 1:45pm when the assailant approached the baby, who was being held by her grandmother, and tried to forcefully grab her and take her away.
Fortunately, he failed in his attempt and fled the scene, leaving the grandmother on the ground after the struggle with injuries to her face, still clutching her granddaughter.
During his attempt to flee, the attacker was apprehended by four witnesses who had seen what had happened from a nearby café and were alerted by the grandmother's cries for help. They managed to grab the aggressor and held him on the ground until the Local Police arrived and took him into custody.
According to reports from 'La Voz de Lanzarote,' the perpetrator, identified by the initials T.V., is known to roam around Arrecife but was not carrying any identification. It is speculated that he may suffer from some form of mental illness, and his place of residence on the island is unknown.
Both the grandmother and the baby were taken to hospital for treatment to injuries suffered in the attack, particularly to the baby’s neck, but none are serious. The grandmother told police that she was waiting with the child for her mother to finish her shift at Hiperdino, where she works when the incident took place.
