Arrest after babies ‘abandoned’ in car outside Swindon supermarket

An arrest was made after two babies were ‘abandoned’ in car outside a Swindon supermarket.

Police were called to the car park of Asda, at Orbital Shopping Park, on Sunday (16 March).

Concerns were raised about the welfare of two babies who had been left unattended in a car.

It’s understood announcements were made in the supermarket, but nobody responded.

Officers smashed the windows of the vehicle to gain entry and remove the infants.

According to an eyewitness, a man and woman returned with a trolley full of shopping – before the man became aggressive towards the police for damaging the car.

A 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of child neglect, and reportedly had to be restrained on the ground.

Both people – believed to be the parents – were when escorted back to their home address by officers. The man was de-arrested.

“The babies were unharmed, and children’s services have been engaged to provide further support and monitoring”, a spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said.

A local, who saw the incident unfold, said that ‘police smashed the windows to get the babies out’.

Adding: ‘The dad returned and kicked off, so he got arrested.

‘There were two parents there, once could have staying the car if it was that much of an issue.’

Another person said: “It’s shocking, how could some just abandon two newborns.”

They continued: “It only takes one second for them to chock on their vomit, and that’s that. I hope police take it seriously and social services seriously consider taking the children.”