A Polish mediator has informed the Bulgarian father, Todor Vasilev, involved in a high profile custody battle that he will have to give his son over to the authorities on July 6.

7-year-old Pavel will now have to be returned to Poland with his mother Barbara Vasilev, who is currently there with their 8-year-old daughter Nikoleta, the Bulgarian daily 24 Chasa informed Thursday.

Machey Tanski, the Polish mediator in the case, who is under contract with the Ministry of Justice, allegedly asked Todor if he agreed with the decision but it is not yet clear what he replied.

The dramatic custody battle between the Polish mother and the Bulgarian father entered the media spotlight on May 28 when the mother attempted to seize the 8-year-old Nikoleta and 7-year-old Pavel from their father.

The parents are separated, but not divorced. The children refused to leave with their father, which led to the involvement of the local police, court authorities and a representative of the social services in the town.

A fight broke out while the authorities attempted to take the children. Pavel managed to escape and his whereabouts remained unknown for a while. He is currently in Asenovgrad with his father and grand-parents.