Mother of wandering 2-year-old found

A toddler found wandering a North Dunedin street in his gumboots early yesterday has been placed in Child, Youth and Family (CYF) care.

The 2-year-old was seen walking along North Rd, in Northeast Valley, and police picked him up at 4.15am.

Sergeant Dave Scott said the boy had on tracksuit pants and a jersey.

He was unable to provide his name or address so police placed him in CYF custody while they tried to locate his parents. His mother contacted police about 12.30pm.

The boy lived off North Rd and had not travelled far.

"I understand he's prone to going on walks," Mr Scott said.

CYF has five days to decide whether returning the boy to his mother is in his best interests.

- NZPA