Cork couple refuse to comment on child abduction claims

The Cork couple wanted in the United States for allegedly abducting their grandson have refused to comment publicly on the matter.

In a statement released through their solicitor, Tim and Ethel Blake said they would not be making any comment on the case.

The FBI and police in Chicago have issued an arrest warrant for the couple after they allegedly abducted Dylan Benwell while on a visit to the US city.

The nine-year-old grew up with the Blakes in Cobh, Co Cork, but was taken to Chicago by his mother and her partner, with whom she has two other children.

The Blakes have claimed he had a horrible life in the US, but his mother has said her parents tricked her into allowing them to see the child and then brought him to Cork without her consent.