A man tried to snatch an 18-month-old girl from her mother at a busy supermarket, leaving the child injured.
CCTV footage shows the mum walking out of the store while holding the young toddler’s hand.
As they approach the automatic doors, a man entering the supermarket suddenly bends down to grab the tot.
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He apparently tried to carry the girl away as her mother fought back.
The child’s father, seen pushing a trolley, witnessed the alleged abduction and rushed to help his partner.
Several onlookers also went to help the couple restrain the alleged kidnapper.
According to reports, several security guards also intervened to capture the suspect at the Esselunga supermarket in Bergamo in northern Italy on Saturday (14 Feb).
An eyewitness said: “I heard a truly heartbreaking scream and saw a man in old worn clothes lying on the floor, holding his head in his hands while surrounded by six to eight supermarket employees.”
The suspect, identified as a homeless Romanian national, was then handed over to the local police.
He had no prior criminal record in Italy, but now faces charges of attempted kidnapping and aggravated assault, as reported by Need To Know.
Police spokesperson Marco Cadeddu said: “The incident was certainly very serious, but it highlighted the effectiveness of our security system.
“Those who witnessed the events and intervened to protect the girl and her mother were all involved.
“Speaking with the girl’s parents, I understood the profound emotional impact they suffered in a story that, thankfully, had a happy ending, but which was very, very, very serious.”
The toddler reportedly suffered a fractured femur in the altercation and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The investigation is ongoing.
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