A toddler seen walking down a main road in his nappy was looking for help after his dad collapsed, his family has said.
Police were called after the child, said to be aged two or three, was found alone in the rain near an Aldi supermarket in St Helens.
Merseyside Police said the boy was taken to hospital as a precaution.
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Now the boy's mother has said the child was at home with his father, who fell ill and collapsed.
"My husband collapsed in the house, and my son let himself out of the front door," the woman told the Liverpool Echo.
"Luckily my mum was on her way to my house and let herself in and found him."
The family believe the boy left the home to get help.
She said: "His dad collapsed in the house and he 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."
