Wandering toddler 'led off-duty PCSO to mother's body'

A two-year-old girl spotted walking on her own to nursery led an off-dutypoliceman to the body of her mother.

The police community support officer was driving with his wife when he came across the little girl in Shobnall Road, Burton-upon-Trent.

Upon being asked what she was doing, the toddler told the couple she washeading to nursery because she could not wake her mother, according toStaffordshire Police.

The girl, spotted just yards from her home, then led the officer to the housewhere her mother, Nicolla Rushton, was found dead inside.

Flowers have been left outside the home where the body was found. Credit: SWNS

The 30-year-old's death is not being treated as suspicious.

The officer, who is not being named by the force, stayed with the young girluntil the emergency services arrived.

Chief Inspector Steve Maskrey praised the officer.

Mr Maskrey also paid tribute to the local community for its help in piecingtogether what had happened after the girl was spotted on January 6.

The little girl is now being cared for by family.

An inquest into Ms Rushton's death is expected to take place in due course.