Two arrested on suspicion of trying to abduct baby from Great Ormond Street Hospital
Great Ormond Street Hospital. Picture: John Stillwell/PA - Credit: PA Archive/PA Images
Two people have been arrested on suspicion of planning to abduct a baby from Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Great Ormond Street Hospital, where Michael's mum said she asked for him to be taken. Picture: John Stillwell/PA - Credit: PA Archive/PA Images
There were reports of a couple trying trying to take the child at around 2pm on Monday, police said.
A 31-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman were then arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit child abduction.
Hospital staff had checked the information provided by the duo and were allegedly shown an image of a premature baby in an incubator, which they claimed was theirs.
Insp Paul Clarke, of the Metropolitan Police, said: “The actions of the staff at Great Ormond Street Hospital in making all of the necessary checks and the quick response of police in arresting a couple prevented what could have been a very frightening and harrowing incident.”
The duo was taken to a police station in central London and bailed to a date in the middle of April.
A spokeswoman for Great Ormond Street Hospital said: “Thankfully, this type of incident is exceptionally rare.
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“We are pleased that staff at the hospital acted so swiftly and calmly to ensure the safety of all our patients.”
Enquires continue.
The Met said it is working with partners in the NHS, including NHS Protect, to ensure the safety of all patients, visitors and staff.
