Family whose daughter, aged 6, was allegedly abducted in Majorca returns home

A Northern Irish couple, whose six-year-old daughter was allegedly abducted from their hotel room early on Monday morning, flew…

A Northern Irish couple, whose six-year-old daughter was allegedly abducted from their hotel room early on Monday morning, flew home from Majorca yesterday. A Civil Guard spokesman on the island said the file was still open and they were investigating all aspects. He described the situation as "extremely delicate".

The family, who have not been named, were staying at the 3-star Barcelo Cala Vinyas Hotel in the resort of Palma Nova, some 15 kilometres from the island's capital of Palma de Majorca.

The parents called the police after the girl was allegedly taken from their hotel bedroom by an English-speaking man who took her to a dark area near the swimming pool and sexually assaulted her.

The crime was alleged to have taken place at around 5 a.m. while the parents slept.

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They told police the man was able to get into the room, probably from an adjoining balcony, and take the child without waking them.

Although some reports said she was found bleeding in the grounds, it appears she was able to return to the room on her own to alert her parents.

The child was immediately taken to a local hospital for treatment and medical tests. Doctors confirm she had not been raped, and while some local press reports claim she had been sexually assaulted, a police spokesman denied this yesterday. He confirmed the girl was released from hospital and was in good condition.

The child gave details of a young man who took her away and told her parents he spoke with an English accent. Police later detained a 17-year-old British youth who was believed to be staying in the same hotel. He was questioned, but released by the examining magistrate without charge, although his passport was confiscated and he has been ordered to report to the police station every day.

Palma Nova is a popular holiday resort. The Northern Irish family were travelling with First Choice Tours, although the company has refused to comment.

The police spokesman said 90 per cent of the tourists in the area are English and Irish, with a few Scandinavians.

The majority of the crimes committed in the resort involve tourists.