Toddler left to wander alone in rain

A 3-year-old child was left wandering alone for more than an hour in the pouring rain yesterday before police were contacted.

Tauranga Police Senior Sergeant Mark Pakes said the toddler was found wandering around Merivale, Tauranga, at 5pm.

"He had wandered into a neighbour's yard and was playing with some toys on the driveway. The neighbour was unable to establish the identity of the parents so she alerted us.

"He was picked up by one of our officers and taken to McDonald's and given a Happy Meal. He was then brought back to Tauranga Station and re-clothed because his clothes were saturated.

"Our biggest concern is how a 3-year-old can go missing for more than an hour in the pouring rain before the mother eventually appears. You should know where your child is at all times."

Mr Pakes said the family concerned had been referred to Child, Youth and Family.