A nationwide kidnap alert has been triggered in France after a father illegally removed his seriously ill two-month-old baby from a hospital in Toulouse. The infant, identified as Tizio, was taken from Purpan Hospital between 6:30pm and 7pm on Friday night.
Prosecutors say the baby requires immediate medical care and could die without it. The alert mobilises the entire French population to search for the abductor and child, with information broadcast on over 50 outlets including television, radio and online.
The father, aged 33, is described as tall and slim with a long brown beard and brown-to-black curly hair. He was last seen driving a white Peugeot 307 registered in the Ariege department. The baby was wearing a light blue woolen costume.
Authorities fear the pair may have crossed into a neighbouring country, such as Britain, given the high number of British expats in south-west France. Anyone with information is urged to call 0800 36 32 68 or email alerte.enlevement@interieur.gouv.fr.
The alert system, established in 2006, has been triggered over 20 times previously. It is only activated when there is clear evidence of a kidnapping, not a mere disappearance.
