Child found alone in Hamilton street

File photo / Martin Sykes

A woman and her young child are being looked after by separate caregivers after the toddler was found alone on a Hamilton street last night.

The child, believed to be aged between 18 months and two years, was taken into care after a woman called police to say a child had been found alone on River Rd on the outskirts of the city shortly before 7pm.

Detective Sergeant Andy Bu Bear said a woman was seen running from where the child was found and police began an area canvass.

The woman seen running was found a short time later but was not linked to the child.

As they searched for the mother, police received two calls about another woman banging on doors.

"In one case the woman was described as having a child with her, in another the woman was alone and asked for a jersey because she was cold.

"We believe that person to be the girl's mother. Child Youth and Family were called and the child taken into their care. Inquiries with the mental health care providers enabled us to locate the mother and both she and the child are now being treated by different care providers," said Mr Bu Bear.

"At this time we would like to thank those members of the public who alerted us to the little girl's plight, without their intervention Police could have been dealing with a tragedy," said Mr Bu Bear.

- NZPA