A little girl who managed to unlock the back door of her Ferryhill home and wander off while her family slept was found in a car park in the dead of night. 

Officers were called to the town in the early hours of Tuesday (October 15) morning after reports of concern for a child found in a nursing home's car park. 

Police safeguarded the little girl, whose mother had called 999 when she woke up and realised her daughter was missing. 

Reports of the incident surfaced online overnight after police reportedly carried out door-to-door enquiries along Windsor Avenue and neighbouring streets. 

Some residents reported being woken in the middle of the night by police after the child was found walking on her own. 

Durham Constabulary has confirmed that the girl has been safely returned home and added that advice has been given.

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A full statement from the force said: "We were called following reports of concern for a child found in a nursing home’s car park in Ferryhill, in the early hours of this morning.

"Officers attended and safeguarded the little girl who it transpired, had managed to unlock the back door of her home and wander off while her family slept.

"Her mother called 999 when she woke and realised her daughter was missing and we are pleased to say the girl was returned safely with advice given."