Heartbreaking moment young girl is stranded on train platform

Footage has captured the moment a young girl became separated from her mother after stepping onto a train platform.

Footage has captured the moment a young girl became separated from her mother after stepping off a Melbourne train.

The incident occurred last month at South Yarra Railway Station and involved the five-year-old disembarking the train before her mum had a chance to follow.

The girl’s mother Tammy explained she struggled at first to open the door and then also to remove the stroller she was pushing.

Because of the extra time, the doors of the train slammed shut almost immediately after the little girl had disembarked, causing the pair to become separated.

The heartbreaking moment when the girl realises she has become separated from her mother. Picture: Vic Police

When she realises what has happened the girl freezes before being approached by a good Samaritan who shepherded her to police for help.

The girl stayed with officers until her mother returned and rushed to reunite with her.

Victoria Police released footage of the incident and happy ending on Tuesday to coincide with the return of protective service officers (PSOs) to all stations across Melbourne’s rail system.

PSO postings were temporarily rolled back during the pandemic due to lower numbers of commuters.

Instead, PSO officers were assigned to help out with Covid measures.

With things returning to normal across the state, PSOs will return to all 216 metropolitan train stations from 6pm till last train every night.

The girl’s mother thanked officers for staying with her and keeping her safe and calm. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

They will also maintain a special weekend presence at 79 stations on Friday and Saturday nights until 6am.

“With more people returning to the office and enjoying nights out in the city, now is the time to have PSOs back at all stations,” said Acting Superintendent Craig Thompson from the Transit Safety Division.

“They will be doing what they do best - detecting and deterring crime to make sure people can travel with confidence.”