'She's our angel': quick-thinking mother prevents kidnapping

A quick-thinking mother in California, who stepped in to stop a potential kidnapping, is being hailed as a hero. 

12-year-old Amy Martinez was walking to school when the unexpected happened. 

A strange woman, who she described as "homeless looking", approached her. She grabbed the girl and scooped her up in a bear hug. Small and light for her age, Amy tried to struggle with no avail. 

"I was thinking 'what if she takes me away and I won't see my mum and my dad again'" she told local media. 

She continued to shout and flail her arms- until she caught the attention of a mother who had just dropped her daughter off to school. 

The good Samaritan, who wished to remain anonymous, saw Amy’s movements and “knew that something wasn't right”.

"I rolled down the window and I mumbled to Amy, asking if she was alright. She extended her arms, so that was a sign for help to me." 

Thinking quickly, she approached the kidnapper, claiming that Amy was her daughter. She demanded that Amy was let go. 

Taking Amy away from the woman, the two went back into the school and called the police. 

Amy's family have called the brave stranger their "angel". 

A terrifying situation that could have been a lot worse of not for the kindness of strangers.