A MISSING baby was tracked down after the public responded to an appeal to trace a man wanted in connection with the disappearance.
Two 999 calls proved crucial in helping West Midlands Police trace the suspect’s car yesterday evening (Thursday).
The first reported a potential sighting in Sheldon, and just over 20 minutes later another caller spotted the suspect’s Astra parked by garages in Olton.
He even tried blocking the road with his car and wheelie bins in a bid to contain the Astra.
Traffic cops were quickly on scene and picked up the Astra making off towards Chelmsley Wood before bringing the driver to a stop near Birmingham Airport.
The five-month-old, from Sutton Coldfield, was unharmed and a 35-year-old man arrested on suspicion of child abduction. He remains in police custody for questioning.
Chief Inspector Ian Ingram, said: “It was a fantastic response to what was a very serious, urgent appeal for information. Our appeal was shared thousands of times and would have reached a huge number of people in the West Midlands and beyond.
“As a direct result of the appeal we received two crucial 999 calls that enabled us to direct police resources to the right area and led to the child’s safe return.
“It’s a great example of the police and public working effectively together – and achieving a brilliant result. I’d like to thank everyone who shared our appeal and particularly to the alert members of the public who made those crucial 999 calls.”
