Wandering boy was missing for 30 hours

A two-year-old boy found wandering alone on a busy street was missing for 30 hours before anyone noticed, it emerged tonight.

Police said there appeared to be a misunderstanding over who should have been caring for the child, who was discovered wearing only a t-shirt in Clondalkin, west Dublin, at 10am Friday morning.

His 20-year-old mother, who is from the locality, came forward this afternoon after a massive appeal through the media.

It is understood she had left the toddler with her sister, but it is not yet known how exactly the mix-up happened.

It is unlikely that criminal charges will be brought against anyone involved.

Investigating officers had feared for the welfare of the child's mother when she did not come forward for 24 hours and issued a picture of the little boy.

A gardaí spokesman said it was unlikely the pair would have been reunited so quickly without the help of the media.

But it is not yet known if the youngster will be returned home tonight or spend another night in the care of a foster family, where he spent with last night.

Superintendent John Quirke said the infant was dishevelled but physically well when he was found on Watery Lane in the town centre.

The busy stretch of road is lined with housing estates and apartment blocks.