Shocking twist as toddler is found after reports they were inside stolen car in Perth

Police mounted a desperate search in Perth’s eastern suburbs for a two-year-old who was inside a car, reported to be stolen.

A two-year-old has been found safe and well after a terrifying ordeal when the car they were in was taken.

About 2pm on Friday, police were alerted to the alleged theft of a dark blue Hyundai i30 hatchback from outside a hotel in Redcliffe, in Perth’s eastern suburbs with a child still inside.

Frantic efforts to locate the vehicle were successful, when at about 3.30pm, it was found at an address in Bayswater.

The child was “safe and well” at a home on Collyer Street in Belmont.

Police have now confirmed the vehicle was never stolen.

A two-year-old child was in the dark blue Hyundai i30 at the time it was stolen. Picture: WA Police

“Significant police resources were utilised to locate the child and the vehicle,” Western Australia Police said in a later statement.

“Further inquiries have revealed the car was not stolen, and no criminal offences have been detected.”

Earlier, authorities were “urgently seeking” assistance from the public in locating the vehicle.

Originally published as Shocking twist as toddler is found after reports they were inside stolen car in Perth