Bungling police officers smash car window to rescue baby left on its own in a booster seat while its parents are out shopping – without realising it is a £60 ‘realistic’ doll
- Cleveland Police said that they would pay £264 to repair Amy McQuillen’s Nissan
- Amy McQuillen from Thornaby, Teesside, and daughter Darci left doll in the car
- They propped it up in booster seat in the back and had left it there for 15 minutes
- They returned to find two officers next to the smashed window along with crowd
A police force has been left red-faced after officers smashed a car window to rescue a baby that was actually a doll.
Cleveland Police said it would pay £264 to repair Amy McQuillen’s Nissan Qashqai after they tried to save her daughter Darci’s toy.
The 36-year-old from Thornaby, Teesside, and her ten-year-old had left the figurine in the vehicle after the youngster had enough of carrying it around shops.
They propped the ‘reborn doll’ up in a booster seat in the back of the car and left it there for 15 minutes.
But they returned to find two officers next to the smashed window along with a large crowd.
The mother claimed police said they were probing a report of child neglect when they broke into the car.
Cleveland Police said it would pay £264 to repair Amy McQuillen’s Nissan Qashqai after they tried to save her daughter Darci’s toy
The 36-year-old from Thornaby, Teesside, and her ten-year-old had left the figurine in the vehicle after the youngster had enough of carrying it around shops
She told the Sun: ‘They then said a newborn baby had been left in the car so I said: ”It’s a doll!” I couldn’t believe it.’
She continued: ‘I know the dolls are realistic but I didn’t think anything like this would ever happen.’
The toy, which Darci named Elliot, cost £60 and was a Christmas gift to the youngster.
They propped the ‘reborn doll’ up in a booster seat in the back of the car and left it there for 15 minutes
But they returned to find two officers next to the smashed window along with a large crowd
Ms McQuillen, a healthcare assistant, said police told her someone reported the car because they thought they saw the doll moving.
She added: ‘It was humiliating for me in front of lots of people, and I was left with a broken window and upset daughter.’
She said the officers were apologetic and checked to make sure her daughter was OK before leaving.
The mother claimed police said they were probing a report of child neglect when they broke into the car
Cleveland Police said it would pay the £264 to repair the car window (pictured, the smashed up car)
Cleveland Police said it would pay the £264 to repair the car window.
A spokesman added: ‘On this occasion it was not what it seemed but it was reported with the best intentions.
‘Officers would always rather establish a crime has not occurred than miss an opportunity to safeguard a child.’
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