The Brazilian police have rescued a kidnapped four-year-old and arrested a couple found with her.

Fabiola Tormes, 4, was found by the police at an unspecified location in the district of Cachoeira de Bom Jesus in the Brazilian city of Florianopolis in the early hours of 20th December.

She was found to be well and in the company of a couple who were arrested by the police on suspicion of involvement in her kidnapping.

Tormes had been snatched from her home in the nearby municipality of Palhoca at around 9pm on 18th December.

Two people had broken into the property, beat Tormes’ mother Simone with sticks, and fled with the child in a white Volkswagen Gol.

The child’s mother was so badly injured by the beating that she had to be taken to hospital and undergo surgery.

The police started investigating the case immediately and were able to locate Tormes just two days after her kidnapping. She has since been reunited with her relieved family.

The girl’s aunt Silvana Tormes wrote on Facebook: “Thanking all of you from my heart for your prayers. After the police’s tireless efforts, Fabiola has been found.”

Police officer Eliane Chaves also took to social media to celebrate the rescue, writing on Instagram: “Without stopping, for over 24 hours, child well and criminals arrested!”

The suspects have not been named and are being held in preventive detention as the investigation continues.

The ViralTab page is created by and dedicated to professional, independent freelance journalists. It is a place for us to showcase our work. When our news is sold to our media partners, we will include the link here.