Scots tourists are in the midst of a political storm after the Cypriot Government moved to quash allegations of an attempted child abduction.
The High Commission for the Republic of Cyprus said police investigations in the Mediterranean resort of Protaras were over and the claims of holidaymakers unsubstantiated.
It said the allegations of a criminal gang attempting to steal children from under the noses of terrified parents “unfairly tarnished” the good reputation of the country.
However, MSPs Alex Johnstone and Liz Smith said families continued to be concerned by the events of Tuesday evening and that scrutiny by the UK police and government officials may be justified.
In a lengthy statement, the High Commission for the Republic of Cyprus in London categorically dismissed the allegations of UK tourists.
A spokesman said: “We fully appreciate the concerns of parents regarding the safety of their children and the allegations are taken seriously by the authorities in Cyprus.
“The police took statements from the British parents who filed the complaint, as well as from the children themselves, but their statements did not corroborate the allegations concerning a possible abduction plan.
“All allegations were duly examined and no evidence was found to support them.”
The spokesperson said allegations of a planned abduction of children from the hotel by a group of foreign nationals were therefore “unsubstantiated” and “unfairly tarnished” the good reputation of Cyprus.
“Our country is a family friendly destination with one of the lowest crime rates in the EU,” the spokesman said.
The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) said it was awaiting clear information on what took place in Protaras earlier this week.
In the meantime, it has issued advice to UK tourists travelling abroad.
“Every parents’ worst nightmare is to have something happen to their child, however, cases of child abduction affecting British families abroad are extremely unusual and rare,” it said.
“It is important that parents apply the same rules to looking after their children abroad as they do at home.
“While holidays are a time to relax and let your hair down parents must still be highly vigilant of their children.
“This is vital for their wellbeing, particularly as there may also be added health and safety risks on holiday, such as the swimming pool or the sea.
“Parents should make sure that young children are supervised at all times and report any suspicious behaviour immediately to the hotel manager or local authorities.”
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