A two-year-old child was inside a car when it was suddenly stolen and driven at excessive speed before being abandoned next to a canal. The car was taken from the Long Thorpe Lane area of Lofthouse, between Leeds and Wakefield, on Wednesday evening.
There was a child inside the Volvo and the keys had been left in the ignition, while the child's parents were nearby. The Volvo was driven to Woodlesford Lock, Leeds, where it was later found, West Yorkshire Police said.
Child found safe
The car was recovered within around 15 minutes and the two-year-old child was found safe and well. Police are now asking the public for information.
The force said the Volvo was taken just before 8.30pm and arrived at Woodlesford Lock around 8.37pm.
Appeal for information
Detectives are keen to speak with anyone who saw, or who has footage of the grey Volvo XC90 as it travelled to Woodlesford Lock, where it was later found. It is believed to have arrived there at about 8.37pm.
Enquiries suggest the Volvo, which had a 58 plate and was said to be travelling at excessive speed, passed through Carlton, Rothwell and Woodlesford (via Holmsley Lane). It also appeared to be in convoy with a blue Citroen Berlingo.
Anyone with information or footage which may assist this investigation is asked to contact Leeds CID, quoting crime reference 13260446258.
