Police investigation declared ‘non-event’ after child reportedly left locked in car in Murwillumbah shopping centre

Police have clarified that an earlier incident where a child was reportedly left locked in a car in a northern NSW shopping centre was a misunderstanding and the child is safe and well.

Generic NSW Police. Photo: Tom Parrish

Update: Police have clarified that an earlier incident where a child was reportedly left locked in a car in a northern NSW shopping centre was a simple misunderstanding and the child is safe and well.

A NSW Police spokesperson told this publication on Monday night the mother was close to the vehicle and that the child had been left in the car as they were unwell.

No charges have been laid and police have declared the situation as a non-event.

The spokesperson said no further action will be taken.

Earlier: A police investigation is underway after reports a child had been left locked in a vehicle in the underground car park of a northern NSW mall, with horrified shoppers taking to social media.

On Monday shortly after 5pm, concerned shoppers took to social media to share photos of the child in the vehicle at Sunnyside Shopping Mall on Brisbane St, Murwillumbah.

NSW Police have confirmed an investigation is currently underway. No charges have been laid.

More information has been sought from police about the condition of the child.

A NSW Police spokesperson said by the time police had arrived at the scene, the vehicle had left the premises. Tweed-Byron District officers have been assigned to the investigation and are tracking down the registered owner of the vehicle to assist with their inquiries.

Pictures were circulated on social media of a child in the rear of a vehicle in the car park.

Several users stated they were phoning the police, with others urging the person who posted the photo to smash the windows.

Under NSW law, it is an offence to leave a child under seven years of age in a vehicle unattended – if it poses a risk or danger to their safety or if they are likely to be caused distress.

Originally published as Police investigation declared ‘non-event’ after child reportedly left locked in car in Murwillumbah shopping centre