A man is now in police custody following the sexual touching of a child he allegedly took from downtown Kingston to the seaside, near Manley Meadows, yesterday.

The young male child, who is believed to be from Bread Lane in Kingston, was taken to the seaside by his abductor, who then allegedly took $600 from him and bought him a pack of bag juices before pocketing the rest of the money, Manley Meadow residents claim.

They further claimed that the abductor told the child he was planning on meeting up with church friends. It is also said that threats were made against the child's life.

During a window of opportunity to escape, the child made his way from the seaside into the community, with the man in tow.

Residents spotted the out-of-breath child, who explained to them what was taking place. The man tried to escape in a taxi but was pulled from the vehicle and beaten by residents before the police arrived.

The residents pointed out that while the two were at the seaside, the man kept kissing the child all over his body as they were able to spot hickeys on him. They said the child was also fondled among other sexual acts that were performed. Scratch marks were also visible.

The incident is believed to have happened sometime after 11 a.m.

One resident, who requested anonymity, said that the police seemed to have known the man before as when he was apprehended, the officer said, "You again".

Head of the Eastern Kingston police, Superintendent Arthur Brown, confirmed that a man was detained, and that a report of sexual touching has been made against him.