Thousands march in France for murdered girl

Thousands of people have marched through the northern French town of Calais in honor of a nine-year-old schoolgirl, identified as Chloe, who had been kidnapped, raped and brutally murdered.

Over 4,000 people, including residents of Calais, the mayor of the city, the mother of Chloe as well as other relatives, attended a silent march on Thursday to commemorate the girl.

Chloe was raped and murdered after being snatched from a playground in front of her mother on Wednesday. Her body was found in a nearby wood later in the day.  

The girl was playing with a friend when a man "appeared and grabbed her, forcing her to get into a red car," according to a statement by prosecutors.

French Prime Minister Manuel Valls has called for a full investigation into the shocking incident.

"It is up to the legal system now to carry out the investigation and what we owe to the family is the whole truth," he said.

Police have arrested a 38-year-old Polish man, who has a long criminal record and had served time in prison for robbery and extortion.

The suspect confessed to the crime after he was arrested on Wednesday night near the woods where the girl’s body was found.

AR/NN/HMV

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.ir