A half-naked toddler found wandering alone in the rain was out looking for help after his dad collapsed at home, his family believe.
The child, referred to only as Caleb and understood to be two or three years old, was discovered in just a nappy walking near an Aldi supermarket in St Helens, Merseyside.
Police had been alerted when he was found on the busy Clock Face Road around 10am on Friday, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Door-to-door enquiries were carried out by officers in the immediate area in a bid to find his parents.
Community groups and individuals also put out their own appeals on social media, with hundreds of people expressing their concern for the child's welfare.
After his dad was located, as a precaution, the boy was taken to a hospital to be checked over and an investigation is ongoing.
The child's mum later explained that her son was at home with his dad when the man fell ill and collapsed.
She believes he left the family home to get help for her husband and wanted to reassure those concerned that he was safe and being cared for.
The woman - who has not been named - said: "My husband collapsed in the house, and my son let himself out of the front door.
"Luckily, my mum was on her way to my house and let herself in and found him."
The family now believe the boy left their home to get help for his dad.
She added: "His dad collapsed in the house and Caleb left presumably to go and get help.
"Whoever knows me or my family will know that our son is well cared for and looked after."
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: "At around 9.55am this morning (Friday, August 6) we received a report that a young child was found alone, walking along Clock Face Road in St Helens.
"Patrols attended and located the child's father a short while later.
"The child was taken to hospital as a precaution.
"Social services have been informed and an investigation into the incident is ongoing."
