Tesco staff forced to intervene after four-year-old found shopping alone in store

Merseyside Police were called to the scene yesterday, Wednesday, July 24. A spokesperson from force confirmed the child had been reported missing from her home a short distance just a few minutes earlier.

The mum explained in a post on social media her daughter had got out of the backdoor of their home and she had reported her missing within minutes.

She wrote: "I don't even know who found her or anything my brain wasn't working and still isn't. I wasn't even breathing till she was in my sight, she got out via the backdoor as it doesn't lock properly she was noticed gone within a minute or so and I was on the phone to police running trying to find her.

"I had no idea which way she had gone so, please, I'm in absolute pieces not noticing she was gone the second she darted out, and for not going the right way in the first place as I went up towards Rice Hey [Road] first.

"Currently the doors are now locked and she won't be out unsupervised again for even a minute, so for anyone blaming me you're right, I should have nailed the back door shut or put something heavier against the door or not come in for a drink for her.

"For the people who found her, I will never be able to express how thankful I am to you that you kept her safe."

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A Merseyside Police spokesperson said: "We were contacted at 10.45am today, Wednesday July 24, following reports a four-year-old girl had gone into the Tesco Express store on King Street in Wallasey.

"The child had been reported missing from her family home a short distance away a few minutes earlier. She was found to be safe and well and returned to her family."

Social media users came to the defence of the mum after her traumatic incident.

One woman commented: "You need eyes in the back of your head with children. They have a habit of becoming escapees when when you do watch them, so never judge!"

Another added: "Oh you poor mum. I can't imagine the panic you would have felt. Thank god she is safe, that's what counts, still more food people in our community, these things happen. Sending hugs."

Another social media user added: "Don't beat yourself up, it's not your fault. It happened to me years ago, I was out shopping and turned my head for a couple of seconds then my three year old had vanished.

"Omg that feeling will never leave me. I ran all over panicking. A lady found her a few doors away. Keep her close."