Abandoned girl in care while police investigate

The mother of a 2-year-old left alone in Otara is being spoken to by police and has not been allowed to take her daughter back.

The woman and another relative came forward on Monday night after police appealed for help when the girl was found near a McDonald's restaurant standing by herself and no one had reported her missing.

Detective Sergeant Sharon Price, of the Counties Manukau child protection team, said police were following several lines of inquiry but she could not say if the mother or anyone else would be charged.

"It is too early to determine whether this incident could incur criminal charges."

While the police investigation was continuing the girl would remain with Child, Youth and Family caregivers she had been with since Saturday

CYF northern regional director Grant Bennett said the agency had had involvement with the girl's siblings before, but not the girl herself.

"She will remain with these caregivers until we have completed a thorough assessment of her situation and are able to determine whether or not she can safely be returned to her family," said Mr Bennett.

The man who found the girl, James Ngaro, said he was relieved her family had come forward but was angry the girl was left alone in the firstplace.

"I feel sorry for that child ... It sure is sad. Someone must have known."

He was shocked to hear CYF had involvement with the family before and hoped the girl could be reunited with loved ones soon.

Although safe with the caregivers it was a strange place for her to be, he said.

If you have any information about the abandonment of the child please contact police on 09 353 0033 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.