Irish schoolgirl, 8, at centre of kidnap drama is found in Portugal

An Irish schoolgirl who was allegedly kidnapped by her father last year has been found and her mother was last night on her way to see her.

Candice Gannon is due to have an emotional reunion with her daughter Ellie Silva, 8, at an Algarve children’s home this morning after learning the youngster is safe.

She left her home in Ballsbridge, Dublin to fly to Faro via Paris after being told the good news by her lawyer. Her husband Philip travelled with her.

The full details of Ellie’s handover to the authorities, said to have happened in the north of Portugal, were still unclear last night.

Ellie, who disappeared last summer when she went on holiday with her Portuguese dad Filipe Silva, was resting overnight at a children’s home in Faro where she was seen by psychologists.

Candice’s lawyer Spencer Dohner confirmed: “Ellie is safe and well.

“My understanding is she was handed over to the authorities around midday by her paternal grandm-other. As far as I know she has been kept for the last seven months somewhere in the north of Portugal, but I don’t know exactly where.

“She will be reunited with her mum and stepdad in the morning after spending the night at a children’s home where she has been seen by experts. We thought it would be for the best that way. It gives everyone a chance to rest.

“We know Ellie is in good hands and that physically anyway, she’s in good health.

“Candice is obviously delighted at the news and can’t wait to see her daughter again after such a long time away from her.”

Filipe Silva, arrested last Friday near Lisbon on suspicion of kidnapping Ellie, was released hours after his daughter was returned to the authorities. He had been held since a court appearance at the weekend. Mr Dohner said he would now be applying to ensure Mr Silva was not allowed to see his daughter alone.