No arrests were made following Saturday’s attempt to kidnap a three-year-old boy in Żabbar, a police spokeswoman said yesterday.

She said the police were still investigating the case and were analysing closed circuit camera footage. The probe is being handled by the vice squad.

Dramatic footage posted on timesofmalta.com yesterday shows the Maltese partner of the child’s German father – Nico Leonhardt – park her car outside their home and the child climbing out of the back seat at about 3pm.

The young boy, who lives with his father following a court order granting him custody, is seen outside the main gate when, suddenly, a dark-coloured car pulls up nearby and two women run out. The Maltese woman grabs hold of the child and runs, chased by the other two women.

The woman allegedly holding what appeared to be a stun gun was identified as the child’s mother – Petra Nemet – a German national who had abducted him last year.

The police were not in a position to confirm whether they had issued any warning to prohibit the woman from leaving the island pending the investigation, especially since no arrests had been made and since she had not yet been questioned.

The Maltese woman claimed to have sustained injuries to her side and face but continued to hold on to the child as the two women beat her.

A relative who lives next door realised what was happening and took her and the child into his home. The two other women then ran back to their car and drove away.

Sources said the police were today expected to speak to the boy’s father and partner.