In a terrifying broad daylight attack that has shocked Melbourne residents, a four-month-old baby was dragged approximately 100 metres along a road after heartless thieves stole the family car with the infant still inside.
The horrific incident unfolded around 3:40 pm on Tuesday in quiet suburban Deer Park, when the child's mother briefly stepped away from her idling vehicle to open her front gate.
Police report that two offenders seized the opportunity, jumping into the silver Kia Sorento and speeding off with the defenceless baby still secured in the back seat.
Miracle Escape for Infant
In what authorities are calling nothing short of miraculous, the baby was thrown from the moving vehicle approximately 100 metres from the scene and landed on the nature strip. The infant sustained only minor injuries despite the traumatic ordeal.
"For a four-month-old baby to be involved in such a traumatic incident and only receive minor injuries is nothing short of a miracle," said Acting Inspector Mark O'Connell from Victoria Police.
Massive Police Response
Emergency services rushed to the scene on Station Road after distraught witnesses reported the shocking incident. The baby was immediately transported to Royal Children's Hospital as a precaution but has since been released with no serious physical injuries.
Police have launched a major investigation, with detectives from the Armed Crime Squad scouring the area for CCTV footage and witness accounts. The stolen vehicle was later recovered abandoned in nearby Sunshine West.
Community in Shock
Local residents expressed horror and disbelief at the brazen daytime crime in what is typically considered a family-friendly neighbourhood. The incident has raised serious concerns about vehicle safety and child protection in residential areas.
Police are urging anyone with information or dashcam footage from the Station Road area between 3:30 pm and 4:00 pm on Tuesday to come forward immediately.
This story is developing as authorities continue their search for the two male offenders described as being in their 20s.
