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British couple arrested after leaving three young children alone in Benalmádena hotel while they went out partying
Two of the children, aged just six months and one year, tested positive for cocaine and all three are now in the care of the Andalusian regional government
A British couple has been arrested by the Policía Nacional after allegedly abandoning their three young children alone in a hotel room in Benalmádena while they went out. Two of the children subsequently tested positive for cocaine.The incident came to light on Wednesday night when an alert was raised about the children's situation. Officers who attended the hotel found the three children, aged six months, one year and four years old, unattended in common areas of the hotel. The room they had been left in was described as being in a state of considerable disarray and in no fit condition for three young children.
Perhaps the most distressing detail to emerge is that the eldest child, just four years old, had been left to look after the two younger ones.
The parents, a 41-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman, were arrested at the scene. The Policía Nacional investigation remains open. All three children were taken to the Maternal Hospital of Málaga, where they underwent medical tests to assess whether they had suffered any lasting effects from neglect or other forms of abuse. Toxicology tests were also carried out, and two of the children returned positive results for cocaine.
The Andalusian regional government has confirmed that all three children are now under the protection of the Junta de Andalucía and have been placed with a foster family while their situation is resolved. In cases such as this, it is standard practice to place children with a close relative where it is safe to do so.
The case has drawn considerable attention given the ages of the children involved and the circumstances in which they were found. The investigation is ongoing and authorities will determine what charges the couple will face in due course.
Image: Maria Kovalets/Unsplash
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