Police smash car window to save baby - without realising it is a doll

A police force has been left red-faced after officers smashed a car window to rescue a baby that was actually a doll.

Cleveland Police said it would pay £264 to repair Amy McQuillen's Nissan Qashqai after they tried to save her daughter Darci's toy.

The 36-year-old from Thornaby, Teesside, and her ten-year-old had left the figurine in the vehicle after the youngster had enough of carrying it around shops.

They propped the 'reborn doll' up in a booster seat in the back of the car and left it there for 15 minutes.

But they returned to find two officers next to the smashed window along with a large crowd.

The mother claimed police said they were probing a report of child neglect when they broke into the car.

She told the Sun: 'They then said a newborn baby had been left in the car so I said: ''It's a doll!'' I couldn't believe it.'

She continued: 'I know the dolls are realistic but I didn't think anything like this would ever happen.'

The toy, which Darci named Elliot, cost £60 and was a Christmas gift to the youngster.

Ms McQuillen, a healthcare assistant, said police told her someone reported the car because they thought they saw the doll moving.

She added: 'It was humiliating for me in front of lots of people, and I was left with a broken window and upset daughter.'

She said the officers were apologetic and checked to make sure her daughter was OK before leaving.

Cleveland Police said it would pay the £264 to repair the car window.

A spokesman added: 'On this occasion it was not what it seemed but it was reported with the best intentions.

'Officers would always rather establish a crime has not occurred than miss an opportunity to safeguard a child.'