Partnership praised for finding missing toddler

The toddler was taken from a store in Newcastle on Wednesday. She was later found in the Gosforth area.

Mrs Baird said: "None of us can imagine the distress the family and the toddler were going through. As Police and Crime Commissioner, I am proud of all our staff and partners who helped in the search."

The toddler was found in just over an hour after being reported to the police.

Mrs Baird said: "Partnership working has proven so effective - the police, retail staff, council employees and the transport network, Newcastle University and Nexus have delivered. Northumbria Police coordinated this operation quickly and effectively and enabled the toddler to be quickly tracked down and reunited with her mam.

"Clearly a good job was done by many and as the public's representative for policing I'm proud of how the North East came together at a difficult time."

Two teenagers, aged 13 and 14, appeared in court this afternoon charged with kidnap with intention to commit a relevant sexual offence and two counts of shoplifting.