Child found playing with petrol

A 3-year-old boy splashed himself with petrol after playing with a fuel bowser at a Napier service station yesterday.

Acting Senior Sergeant Mal Lochrie of Napier said police were called by staff at the station after it was discovered the youngster was on his own.

He had wandered away from his Maraenui home, a couple of blocks away from the station.

The boy had gone to a bowser and pulled the nozzle from its holder, splashing petrol on himself, but was uninjured and able to tell police his name. He was taken home, where it is understood his father was unaware he had wandered off.

Mr Lochrie said the incident had been referred to Child Youth and Family services.

- HAWKE'S BAY TODAY