Police had to smash the windows of a car yesterday after a crying baby was found locked inside alone.
Officers gave the mother "strong words of advice" after she had returned to find police had forced entry to her vehicle.
It happened in the midday heat yesterday, as temperatures soared to 21C in some parts of the UK.
A shocked stranger noticed the tot, thought to be around one year old, crying in the car and alerted police at Truro car boot sale in the Cornwall city.
Speaking to Cornwall Live, a witness said: "A passer-by saw the baby in the car. It was hot and sunny, no windows were opened, the baby was hot and crying so the staff were called to the car and the police were called and smashed the window. The baby was okay after a cuddle from the police lady.
"It was nearly an hour by this time and then the mother turned up and the police took all her details. It's bad enough dogs left in cars but a baby its horrific."
Enquiries into the matter are ongoing, Devon and Cornwall Police say. The parent, though, was told off by officers at the scene.
A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Constabulary said: "Police were called at around 1pm yesterday to Truro car boot sale, following concerns for the welfare of a child, believed to be around a year old, who had been left in a car and was in distress.
"Officers attended and broke a window to access the vehicle and free the child. A parent of the child returned soon after and was given strong words of advice in relation to this matter.
"Enquiries continue into this matter."
