A CHILD had to be freed from a locked car by firefighters this morning.

One appliance from Hayle Fire Station attended the incident in the town's Penpol Terrace just before 10am.

They used small tools to release the child, who was then reunited safely with the parent on scene.

Between April 1, 2016 and May 5, 2017, Cornwall Fire Rescue and Community Safety Service attended 27 calls to assist parents or carers with children who were locked in vehicles.

The AA says it rescues on average seven children locked in cars every day in the UK.

If you are concerned about the welfare of another person’s life, never hesitate to call 999.

One of the Critical Control centre operators will talk you through the situation and offer advice and help over the phone or if necessary they will send out an emergency service.

Advice to remember if this ever happens to you:

- Keep calm and don’t panic

- Think clearly and act quickly

- Call 999 immediately for the emergency services if you have any concerns about a person’s health

Top tips to prevent the risk of this happening to you:

- Keep your keys with you at all times.

- Never give a child the keys to play with in the car.

- Don't close all the doors unless you’re sure you have the keys.

- Leave a window open so that if central locking is activated you can still get in.

- Keep spare keys at home.