A little boy was rescued from a hot car after he was left alone for over an hour in extremely high temperatures.
The toddler, believed to be around 18 months, was rescued after a passerby heard him crying from inside the locked car.
Firefighters went to the scene and smashed the car window, taking the young boy out of the vehicle that had been left in a car park in Saffron Walden, Essex.
People gathered to see the rescue operation after an announcement was made, urging the child’s parents to go back to their vehicle.
A witness, 42-year-old Cheryl Thomas, said: “It was unbelievable. We were all enjoying a day out and suddenly they announced this crying little boy had been left inside a hot car.
“We could see the car park from where we were and everyone looked over to see paramedics outside the car, frantically trying to get in.
“Everyone was looking round for a parent rushing over but no-one came. We couldn’t believe it when ten minutes later there was still no sign of anyone.
“It was such a hot day, we actually got sunburn while we were out there so that poor little boy must have been in such distress.
“It brings me to tears thinking about what he must have been going through.”
The boy was visibly distressed and was crying as fire crews pulled him out of the car. A woman, believed to be the mother, finally returned with another young child.
“The firefighters did an amazing job getting him out, they worked so quickly,” Cheryl added.
“Then this woman just appeared from nowhere. No-one realized she was the boy’s mum to begin with as she didn’t seem to show any emotion over what was happening.
“She had another little boy with her, who was older and holding her hand. We just couldn’t understand why you would take one child out with you and leave one in the car for so long.
“Who knows where she had been or what she was doing. She didn’t have any bags with her, just a big handbag, so whether she’d popped to a shop or not, I don’t know.
“To leave your child for a minute is too long though, let alone an hour.”
The mother was later allowed to leave with her children as witnesses saw her drove away.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments section and SHARE this post with your family and friends!