31 Oct 2014

Arrest over Hamilton baby snatching

6:39 pm on 31 October 2014

The police in Hamilton have arrested an 18-year-old woman after the kidnapping of an 8 week old baby this afternoon, and she was helping them with their inquiries.

Ross Patterson

Detective Senior Sergeant Ross Patterson at a news conference in Hamilton this afternoon. Photo: RNZ / Andrew McRae

Detective Senior Sergeant Ross Patterson of the Hamilton CIB said an 18-year-old woman was arrested this afternoon at the Hamilton Central Police Station.

She had been helping police with their inquiries.

"We are not seeking anyone else in relation to this incident and would like to thank those members of the public who assisted us with our enquiries."

The two-month-old boy was now safe after being missing from his cot for just over an hour.

The baby's parents had put him down to sleep but when they checked on him they found him gone.

Police said the parents were distraught but relieved their baby was safe.

The baby was handed to police less than an hour after the alarm was raised at 1.40pm.

The woman has been arrested on a charge of kidnapping and will appear in the Hamilton District Court tomorrow.