Malnourished boy found locked in utility van since 2024, police say

Published: Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 11:57 am

French Authorities Rescue Malnourished Boy Locked in Van Since 2024

A harrowing case of child neglect has come to light in eastern France, where a nine-year-old boy was discovered locked inside his father's utility van. The local prosecutor confirmed the child had been confined since 2024. The boy was rescued this week and is currently hospitalized. His father has been detained, and his partner is also facing charges.

Police were alerted on Monday by a neighbor who reported hearing sounds emanating from the van. Upon opening the vehicle, authorities found the child in a severely malnourished state, lying naked and covered by a blanket amidst trash and excrement. The prosecutor's statement indicated the boy could no longer walk due to prolonged confinement in a seated position.

The father, aged 43, told investigators he locked the boy in the van in November 2024 to protect him from his partner, who wanted to send the child to a psychiatric hospital. The boy, who was seven years old at the time, reportedly had no prior medical history of psychiatric issues and had been performing well in school.

The boy told investigators he had "big difficulties" with his father's partner and believed his father "had no choice" but to lock him up. He reported receiving food and water twice daily from his father and had not showered since 2024. He was forced to urinate in plastic bottles and defecate in bin bags.

The father faces preliminary charges of kidnapping and other offenses. His partner, who denied knowledge of the boy's confinement, has been charged with failure to help a minor in danger and released under judicial supervision. The boy's 12-year-old sister and the 10-year-old daughter of the father's partner are now under the care of social services.

The prosecutor's office is investigating whether others were aware of the boy's situation. Friends and family believed the boy was in a psychiatric institution, and his teachers were informed he had transferred schools. Local residents expressed shock at the discovery, with some neighbors reporting they had heard noises from the van but were told it was a cat. The prosecutor has declined further comment pending the ongoing investigation.

BNN's Perspective: This case is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of children and the importance of vigilance in our communities. While the details are disturbing, it underscores the need for robust child protection services and the critical role of neighbors in reporting suspicious activity. The investigation must thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding this tragic situation to ensure accountability and prevent future occurrences.

Keywords: child neglect, France, locked in van, malnutrition, kidnapping, child abuse, investigation, prosecutor, social services, child protection

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