Slovak Man Accused of Kidnapping 7-Year-Old Girl from Lurgan Garden
A Slovakian man named Marek Burieta has been arrested and charged with kidnapping a 7-year-old girl named Lurgan from a garden in Lurgan, Northern Ireland. According to police reports, Burieta approached the girl on Saturday, July 22, and asked her if she “wanted an ice cream.” When the girl said yes, Burieta allegedly grabbed her by the hand and led her away from the garden. The girl’s parents reported her missing after she failed to return home. A search operation was subsequently launched, involving police, sniffer dogs, and members of the local community. Burieta was later apprehended by police on suspicion of kidnapping. The girl has been safely reunited with her family. During questioning, Burieta reportedly claimed that he had no intention of harming the girl and that he had only intended to take her for an ice cream. However, police rejected this claim, stating that they believe Burieta had planned the abduction in advance. Burieta has been charged with kidnapping, child abduction, and attempted abduction. He appeared in court on Monday, July 24, and was remanded in custody. Police have appealed for the public’s help in providing any information that may assist with their investigation. They are particularly interested in speaking to anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have seen Burieta with the girl in the days leading up to the kidnapping. The incident has shocked the local community, and concerns have been raised about the safety of children in the area. Police have urged parents to be vigilant and to ensure that their children know what to do if they are approached by strangers. Further updates on the case are expected as the investigation continues.
Slovak Man Allegedly Kidnaps Girl from Garden in Lurgan
Lurgan, Northern Ireland:
A 7-year-old girl was allegedly kidnapped from her family’s garden in Lurgan, Northern Ireland, by a Slovak man on Wednesday, August 10, 2023. According to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), the suspect, identified as 30-year-old Marek Burieta, approached the child in the garden and asked her if she “wanted an ice cream.” When the girl agreed, Burieta allegedly grabbed her and fled the scene in a black Audi A3. A major police search operation was immediately launched, involving officers from the PSNI, the National Crime Agency (NCA), and other law enforcement agencies. On Thursday, August 11, the PSNI announced that Burieta had been arrested in the Lurgan area and that the girl had been safely recovered.
Suspect Charged
Burieta has been charged with kidnapping, child abduction, and other related offenses. He appeared in court on Friday, August 12, and was remanded into custody.
Investigation Ongoing
The PSNI is continuing to investigate the incident and is appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.
Community Response
The local community in Lurgan has been shaken by the kidnapping and is expressing concern and support for the young victim and her family. A candlelight vigil was held on Thursday night to show solidarity and pray for the girl’s safe return.
Safety Advice
The PSNI urges parents and guardians to remind children about the importance of stranger danger and to be vigilant when they are out in public. The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as they become available.