Mum's anguish as girl, 2, dies after she leaves her in hot car for seven hours

A two-year-old girl died after being trapped in a hot car for seven hours.

The child was found in the parked car on Tuesday outside a home after police were called to the scene.

Neighbours said the child was a young girl and claimed her parents did not know she had been left in the car in Franklin Township, New Jersey, US.

Officers reportedly arrived to the home and knocked on the front door after discovering the girl had passed away in the back of the car.

They said they then heard the painful cries of the parents after learning of the horrific new, reports NBC.

Police sealed off the driveway after the tragic discovery as an investigation is underway (NBC)

One neighbour said: "They were just screaming in pain and anguish. She collapsed to the ground and he went to console her.

"They’re great parents. I’ve seen them be very loving and doting on their daughters."

Another said the child's mother was taken away in an ambulance after collapsing on the front lawn.

Speaking to NBC, Alex Krstavski said: "How can that happen? How do you forget? I guess we’re all forgetful, I’ve forgotten things in the car. But how do you forget the toddler, you know? I don’t know," said neighbor Alex Krstavski.

Neighbours and officers at the scene of the tragedy in New Jersey (NBC)

It is unclear if the toddler was in a car seat.

Deputy Chief Frank Roman said in a statement: "Authorities have notified the New Jersey Northern Regional Medical Examiner’s Office who will be responding to conduct the investigation.

"No further details will be released at this time while investigators conduct their investigation."

The police chief said it was unclear if the vehicle was locked or unlocked. It was towed away later in the day.

A single bouquet of flowers was left in the driveway where the tragedy occurred.

Flowers left at the scene of the tragedy (NBC)

According to an organisation called Kids and Car Safety, 22 hot car deaths child deaths have occurred across America this year.

Sue Auriemma from the group said: "This is the kind of tragedy that doesn’t discriminate. It has to do with a failure of the brain’s memory, in many cases," said Auriemma.

"Unfortunately the worst mistake a parent can make is thinking this can’t happen to them."

An investigation into what happened is underway.