Two young children were found abandoned in the streets of Igueste de Candelaria in Tenerife, yesterday (Monday), prompting swift action from local authorities.
The incident unfolded after multiple reports from concerned residents alerted the police to the distressing situation.
The first call came during the morning, reporting an unclothed young child inside a badly parked vehicle. Shortly afterward, a second alert from the Emergency Services Coordination Centre (CECOES) reported another young child perched on a wall in precarious conditions, with a risk of falling.
Local police officers arrived at the scene first, and confirmed that both children had been left alone, with only the witnesses who reported the situation present to offer immediate care.
In the meantime, a third call from a neighbour led officers to locate the children’s mother who was allegedly under the influence of intoxicating substances.
She exhibited aggressive behaviour toward the police and tried to evade capture which resulted in her becoming trapped between two walls, and needing firefighters and medical teams to free her. Once detained, they took her to a nearby hospital for assessment.
In the meantime, the children were taken to a safe environment at a maternal care centre and placed under the supervision of the Juvenile Prosecutor's Office.
Authorities are investigating allegations of child abandonment under Article 229 of the Penal Code, as well as resistance to law enforcement officers under Article 550. Reports of the incident have been submitted to the duty judge at the Güímar Judicial District.
The Candelaria Town Hall has expressed gratitude to the members of the public whose vigilance ensured the swift intervention of the authorities. They also stressed the importance of reporting any situations that may endanger the safety or well-being of children.
