Boy, 4, found on streets after being left home alone

A boy allegedly left home alone after his mother went out drinking was found walking around the streets of Auckland's North Shore early today.

The four-year-old was found outside a house in suburban Bayview crying and calling "Mummy" about 2.30am.

Police spokesman Kevin Loughlin said the boy was taken in by a male neighbour.

"Police say that if it had not been for the alertness of the neighbour and the fact he was a light sleeper there is every chance the child would have wandered further and become lost on a miserable, cold, winter's night," he said.

The boy's mother, who is in her 20s, was subsequently found. Mr Loughlin said charges were likely.

He said the boy was now in the care of his father at another address.

- NZPA