A black VW Golf, registration Y343 MJO, was stolen from the bottle bank car park at Suffolk Way, Sevenoaks at 10.20am today, Friday 31 March.

A 19 month old boy was in the car when it was stolen.  The boy’s mother was using the recycling bins when the theft happened.

Police patrols, including a police helicopter from Essex, dog handlers and a search and rescue dog were mobilised across the area. 

Just before 10.50am a member of the public saw the car in the Otford area.  Minutes later a call came in to say that a small boy had been found at the rail station in Otford.  He had been let out of the car.

The boy’s mother was taken to Otford to be reunited with her son who was safe and well.

Insp David Currie who was co-ordinating the police response to the incident said: “I am pleased we are able to report a happy ending to this story and we are very grateful to everyone who helped us with information about the incident.  The car is still missing and we want to hear from anyone who saw the theft occur or who saw the car on its journey from the town to Otford and subsequently.”

Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact police on 01732 379217 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.  Callers to Crimestoppers do not have to leave their name.