A 9-year-old boy has been rescued after allegedly being locked inside his father’s utility van since 2024 in eastern France.
Police discovered the child on Monday in Hagenbach after a neighbour reported hearing unusual sounds coming from the vehicle.
According to prosecutor Nicolas Heitz, officers forced the van open and found the boy in critical condition. He was lying curled up under a blanket on top of trash and near human waste. Authorities said he was severely malnourished and unable to walk after being confined for an extended period.
The child has since been hospitalised, while his father has been detained and faces preliminary kidnapping and related charges.
Investigators say the father claimed he confined the boy in November 2024 to “protect him” from being sent to a psychiatric facility by his partner. However, authorities found no medical history suggesting the child had psychiatric issues, noting he previously performed well in school.
The boy told investigators he had difficulties with his father’s partner and believed his father had no alternative. He also reported that he had not bathed since 2024.
The father’s partner denied knowing the child was being held in the van. She has been released under judicial supervision but faces charges including failure to assist a minor in danger.
Meanwhile, the boy’s siblings have been placed under social services care as investigations continue into whether others were aware of the abuse.
