PARIS — A nine-year-old boy has been rescued after reportedly spending nearly three years confined in his father’s utility vehicle in eastern France, as confirmed by local prosecutors. The child is currently receiving medical attention, while his father has been taken into custody.

The authorities were alerted on Monday by a neighbor who heard “sounds of a child” emanating from a van in the village of Hagenbach, located near the borders of Switzerland and Germany. This information was disclosed in a statement by Prosecutor Nicolas Heitz on Saturday.

Upon gaining access to the van, police discovered the child in a fetal position, unclothed and covered by a blanket, surrounded by refuse and human waste. The statement indicated that the boy appeared severely malnourished and was unable to walk due to prolonged confinement in a seated position.

According to the boy’s father, he had placed his son in the vehicle in November 2024 “to protect him,” as the child’s mother intended to admit him to a psychiatric facility. At that time, the boy was just seven years old.

The prosecutor noted that there were no medical records indicating that the child had any psychiatric issues prior to his disappearance, and he had been performing well academically.

During interviews with investigators, the boy expressed that he faced significant challenges with his father’s partner and believed that his father felt he had “no choice” but to confine him. He also mentioned that he had not bathed since 2024.

The father has been charged with preliminary kidnapping and other offenses and remains in custody. Meanwhile, his partner has denied any awareness of the child’s situation in the van. She has been charged with failing to assist a minor in danger and has been released under judicial supervision.

The boy’s 12-year-old sister and the 10-year-old daughter of his father’s partner have been placed into the care of social services.

The prosecutor’s office is looking into whether anyone else was aware of the boy’s confinement. Friends and relatives reportedly believed he was in a psychiatric institution, while his teachers had been informed that he had transferred schools.

Authorities have not disclosed the identities of the child or his family members.

Residents of the village expressed their shock to The Associated Press on Saturday, stating they were unaware of the boy’s situation but preferred not to discuss specifics.

The prosecutor declined to provide additional comments to the Associated Press as the investigation continues.