Man 'tries to abduct child' as police swoop on Merthyr Tydfil Leisure CentreSouth Wales Police rushed to Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Centre in Wales after reports that a man had tried to abduct a young boy on Friday afternoonView Image A man has been arrested on suspicion of detaining a child without having lawful control (Image: Google Maps/Wales Online )A man has been arrested after he allegedly tried to abduct a child at a leisure centre in Wales. Officers from South Wales Police rushed to Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Centre on Friday afternoon following reports that a man had tried to abduct a young boy. Officers arrested an 82-year-old man from the town on suspicion of detaining a child without having lawful control. A spokesperson for South Wales Police said: "South Wales Police was called to Rhydycar leisure centre on Friday January 16, to an alleged abduction attempt. Article continues below"Officers attended and an 82-year-old man from Merthyr Tydfil was arrested at the scene on suspicion of detaining a child without having lawful control.

Source: Daily Mirror January 21, 2026 15:44 UTC