A man, 28, and a woman, 30, have been arrested by Alicante Local Police after a two-and-a-half-year-old girl was found alone beside a car in what officers described as manifestly unsanitary conditions. The incident happened at around midday on Tuesday in a central car park in the city.

According to police sources, two passers-by raised the alarm after spotting the child on her own. Officers said the girl, born in October 2023, showed visible signs of neglect, including soiled nappies that had not been changed for some time and a strong odour.

The couple were found reclining in the front seats of the nearby vehicle in a drowsy state and were reportedly in possession of prescription-only medicines. A search of the car uncovered 7,500 euros in cash, 5,760 Swiss francs – about 6,200 euros – and eight mobile phones. Part of the money was hidden on the woman.

The child was assessed by paramedics and later examined at Doctor Balmis General Hospital before being placed in temporary care at the Antonio Fernández Valenzuela Provincial Home. The couple, both Algerian nationals, were detained on suspicion of child abandonment.