A toddler who died after going missing in a London surburb was found in a "builders’ bucket in a garden by a police dog", according to neighbours.
A neighbour told MyLondon that after the two-year-old girl was reported missing on Saturday (January 29) around "20 to 30 people" were searching for the toddler - including police - but couldn't find her until police dogs arrived.
Three neighbours confirmed that the toddler was found in a "bucket" in the garden of a Dagenham home, that is understood to not be her family's home.
The garden, in Reede Road, was undergoing building work at the time - with what appears to be astroturf being laid and a shed under construction.
A post-mortem examination on the child's cause of death will be held this week, according to police. The Met have confirmed that no arrests have been made.
A spokesperson for the force told MyLondon: "Police attended an address in Reede Road, Barking after a two-year-old girl was reported missing [at] around 4pm on Saturday, January 29.
"The girl was found unresponsive in the garden.
"Despite the efforts of paramedics, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Next of kin are aware."
They added: "The death is being treated as unexplained. A post-mortem examination will be held week commencing Monday, January 31.
"Enquiries are ongoing, led by the East Area Command Unit. There have been no arrests."
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