Man charged with sexual assault and kidnap of girl, 9, outside Harrods
A man has been charged with the kidnapping of a nine-year-old girl who was ‘snatched’ from outside Harrods in London while her parents shopped.
Met Police said that Robert Prussak, 56, of no fixed address, was charged with kidnapping and two counts of sexual assault on a female under the age of 13.
He was also charged with administering a substance with intention of stupefying or overpowering to enable sexual activity and committing an offence with the intent to commit a sexual offence.
He remains in custody and will appear at Isleworth Crown Court on May 22.
The girl in question was found about three hours after she was reported missing at 2.44pm yesterday.
CCTV footage appeared to show the girl walking with a man at 2.29pm outside the luxury department store in Knightsbridge, The Sun reported.
Harrods said in a statement to Metro.co.uk yesterday: ‘We supported the Metropolitan police with an incident outside Harrods that has now thankfully been resolved.
‘We cannot comment any further on the details as it is a police matter but are thankful the Met Police’s swift actions led to this safe resolution.’
Yesterday, a police spokesperson said: ‘Fast-time enquiries were conducted and an image of the child in the company of a man, taken from CCTV, was circulated to officers.
‘The suspect was stopped by officers at 5.40pm. He was still in the company of the child. A 56-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of child kidnap.
‘The child and her family are being supported by specialist officers.’
This is a developing news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.
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