Firefighters were forced to smash the window of a car to rescue a toddler left in a dangerously hot car at the weekend.
Essex Fire and Rescue Service confirmed a passerby dialled 999 just after 4pm on Saturday after hearing the boy crying in Saffron Walden, Essex.
Crews arrived at the vehicle 10 minutes later at Common Hill, next to Saffron Walden Common where a musical picnic was taking place.
Reports suggest the child’s mother returned with another child shortly after firefighters broke into the car.
The temperature reached 20C (68F) on Saturday, according to the Met Office.
The fire service said it has “been called to animals locked in cars while the owners go shopping but never a child”.
Essex Police said “a referral has been made to social care”.
Essex Fire and Rescue Service tweeted: “It is incredibly dangerous to leave a child, pet or anyone vulnerable in a vehicle, particularly in this heat.”
Saffron Walden fire station posted a picture of the smashed window on social media and said: “Well a first for us! We have been called to animals locked in cars while the owners go shopping but never a child.
“We cannot stress enough how dangerous it is to leave any person, child or animal locked in a car in this heat.
“The child was rescued by our crew who smashed a window to gain entry.
“The incident has now been handed over to Essex Police for further investigation.
“First aid was given by St John Ambulance crew.”
Essex Police said: “We were called by colleagues at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service to reports of a toddler locked in a car in Common Hill, Saffron Walden, just after 4.20pm on Saturday, 22 June.
“Officers attended as firefighters broke into the car and were joined shortly after by the child’s relatives. A referral has been made to social care.”