Man arrested at airport for ‘kidnapping’ girl from children’s home

A man has been arrested in Spain for allegedly kidnapping a two-year-old girl from a children’s home.

He took her ‘by force’ and threatened care home staff with a firearm and tied them up, according to police.

He was arrested at an airport in Madrid just before a flight to his homeland of Algeria was about to take off.

The girl was handed over to Spanish social services so she could be returned home.

Police confirmed the suspect was held on a European arrest warrant issued by the UK.

Judicial sources said he appeared before a judge in Madrid in an extradition hearing.

It is not immediately clear if he agreed to be flown back to the UK or opposes extradition.

Spanish National Police say he had lost custody of his daughter but did not elaborate why.

The arrest took place last Thursday, the same day as the abduction.

Additional reporting by Gerard Couzens.