POLICE have had to break into a car after a mother accidently locked her baby inside it.

The woman was visiting the Arnison Centre, in Durham, at about 10.30am today with her 12-month-old baby.

She accidently locked the child in the car and had to call police for help. 

When officers arrived, they were able to force entry into the car and reunited the infant with its parents. 

A police spokeswoman said: "At the request of the child’s parents, officers forced entry to the car.

"The child was not hurt and reunited with its parents.

"We are glad we could help and see a happy outcome for all involved."