LAHORE: Police claimed on Tuesday to have busted a gang of beggars and recovered four children from their custody.

According to a news release, police respond unit (PRU) officials were patrolling on The Mall late on Monday night when they noticed that a suspicious looking man was thrashing four children.

When the officials asked about the reason for the cruelty, the man tried to escape but was nabbed by them.

During investigation, the suspect identified himself as Noor Khan.

Police claimed that the man, who had no document to prove his identity, confessed that he was running a gang that kidnapped helpless children and forced them into begging.

The police rescued the children who were identified as Kamran, Ayatullah, Amin and Naeem.

Police handed over the children to the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau and registered a case against the suspect.

Mujahid Force Superintendent of Police (SP) Karar Husain announced cash prizes and commendatory certificates for the PRU team for unearthing the gang.