Man arrested on suspicion of kidnap after car driven off with child in back seat in Swansea

A major search was launched after a car was driven off by a stranger with a child in the back seat. 

South Wales Police are investigating the "terrifying" incident which took place in Crwys Terrace in Penlan, Swansea.

Police said the car was later abandoned and the child managed to walk back to the family home unharmed.

A 39-year-old man from Fforestfach is currently being held in police custody in connection with the incident on Thursday, January 26, as South Wales Police's CID unit leads inquiries.

The car which was taken is being forensically examined.

Detective inspector Gareth Jones said: “South Wales Police received a report at 6.30pm last night, Thursday, January 26, of a car having been stolen at Crwys Terrace, Penlan, with a child in the back seat.

"Local police officers alongside officers from our roads policing unit, joint firearms unit, and National Police Air Service made an area search.

"The car was located abandoned and has been seized for forensic examination. CID are leading the ongoing enquiries. The child walked back into their family home a short time later and was found to be unharmed."

He described it as a "terrifying incident" adding, "As it would be for any parent, and we are investigating this incident as a child abduction as well as a motor vehicle theft. A 39-year-old man from Fforestfach has been arrested on suspicion of kidnap and is currently in police custody.”