FIREFIGHTERS prevented a possible tragedy after two babies were locked in a car.

The girls, aged seven months and 15 months, became trapped inside a Peugeot 205 in the Asda carpark at South Bank, Middlesbrough, after its female driver accidentally locked the keys inside.

Martin Pottinger, an officer with Cleveland Fire Brigade at Grangetown station, said the situation could easily have ended in tragedy.

"We had to smash a rear window because we were concerned for the children's welfare," he said. "They could have been in real danger, and it was imperative we got them out as quickly as we could.

"I have small children myself and it brought home how something that seems so silly can cause a serious hazard.