Child left at mall

A girl was abandoned by her parents after they were challenged over suspected shoplifting at an Auckland mall yesterday afternoon.

The couple were accosted as they attempted to leave the Pumpkin Patch store at Sylvia Park. They then ran for the doors, leaving behind their 9-year-old daughter, her arms filled with shopping bags.

Pumpkin Patch staff refused to comment, but they are believed to have become suspicious after watching the family browsing.

A witness said the parents caused chaos as staff chased them through the mall.

Security staff escorted the girl to their office where she waited until police arrived. Her parents eventually returned and were questioned by police.

Inspector Chris Robinson said the incident was believed to have involved shoplifting though police found no evidence. He confirmed a child was found at the store after her parents ran off. No action had been taken against the adults who left with her daughter.

Mall management refused to comment on the incident.