Six arrested in Spain over alleged sale of children

Spanish police arrested six people in an investigation into the alleged sale of children in Extremadura and Jaén.

The operation involved the National Police and Civil Guard, with searches in Badajoz, Montijo and Linares.

Investigators say a mother in Montijo may have given birth at home so the children would not be officially registered, then sold them to other families.

At least four children are believed to have been sold, and investigators say the mother may have used the money to buy drugs.

The alleged sales may have happened when the children were babies or later, after they had spent time with new families.

The case is being treated as suspected child trafficking, and officials have asked for restraint because the investigation is still open.

Authorities say statements from those arrested are due to begin, and further arrests have not been ruled out.