Kidnapped Sahil found in Pakistan

The five-year-old British boy who was kidnapped in Pakistan has been found safe and well in the country, the British High Commissioner has said.

Sahil Saeed, from Oldham, had been snatched from his grandmother's house in Jhelum by armed robbers on 3 March.

The boy had been visiting relatives with his father, Raja Saeed, who returned to the UK last week against the wishes of Pakistan's police.

Sahil was found in the town of Dinga, 20 miles from Jhelum, police said.

Ransom demand

The British High Commissioner in Islamabad, Adam Thompson, said it was "fantastic news".

"It brings to an end the traumatic ordeal faced by Sahil Saeed's family," he added.

"I would like to praise the high level of co-operation between the UK and Pakistani authorities and in particular I would like to thank the Jhelum police for their role in bringing about the safe return of Sahil," he said.

The Foreign Office said it had no further details of the release at present.

Last week, relatives of the boy spoke of their anguish after false reports that he had been found and handed over to his father.

His uncle, Raja Khalid Bashir, said at the time that it was "like losing him a second time".

In Oldham, Sahil's mother Akila Naqqash had appealed to the kidnappers for the safe return of her son, saying: "I just want my son back. All is forgiven, I will forgive you."

Since Sahil was taken, several men - including a taxi driver - have been arrested.

Four police officers have been suspended for not initially responding to the family's emergency call.

Sahil's attackers were said to have demanded a £100,000 ($150,000) ransom for his return.