A toddler found walking to nursery by herself led police to her home, where her mother was found dead.
An off-duty police community support officer (PCSO) discovered the body of Nicolla Rushton, 30, after spotting her young daughter alone on a street in Burton-upon-Trent.
He stopped to speak to her and was told she was on her way to nursery alone because she couldn’t “wake mummy up”, according to the Derby Telegraph.
The PCSO then followed the girl as she led them to her home on Shobnall Road, where he found Ms Rushton’s body.
The off-duty officer, who stayed with the girl until emergency services arrived, was praised for his actions by Staffordshire Police.
Chief Inspector Steve Maskrey said: “This is a brilliant piece of work by him that shows that we are never off-duty.
"Sadly, nothing could be done to help the woman. My thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased at this difficult time.”
A spokesman for the West Midlands Ambulance Service said an ambulance and a paramedic were sent to the scene.
“Unfortunately, it quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save her and she was confirmed dead at the scene," he said.
The cause of death is unknown, but police are not treating Ms Rushton’s death as suspicious.
Chief Inspector Maskrey also thanked the community for assisting with their investigation of the incident, which took place on 6 January.
He said: “I must also praise the community who all came together and helped the police with their inquiries. Thank you.”
An inquest is expected to take place in due course.
