New Zealand woman arrested after travelling with two-year-old girl in suitcase

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A 27-year-old woman was arrested by New Zealand police after the bus driver discovered a two-year-old girl in a suitcase.

The New Zealand police were called to a bus depot after a bus driver became concerned about a bag moving during a scheduled stop.

PHOTO: NEW ZEALAND POLICE/FACEBOOK

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WELLINGTON – A New Zealand woman was arrested on Aug 3 after travelling on a bus with a two-year-old girl trapped in her luggage.

Detective Inspector Simon Harrison said the woman had been charged over the ill-treatment and neglect of a child.

The police were called to a bus depot in Kaiwaka – 100km north of Auckland – after the bus driver became concerned about a bag moving during a scheduled stop.

“When the driver opened the suitcase, they discovered the two-year-old girl,” Mr Harrison said.

“The little girl was reported to be very hot, but otherwise appeared physically unharmed.”

The luggage had been stored beneath the bus passengers, in a separate compartment.

Mr Harrison said the girl is in hospital undergoing an extensive medical assessment.

A 27-year-old woman was arrested.

Mr Harrison said the driver prevented “what could have been a far worse outcome”.

He said further charges are possible.

New Zealand’s Ministry for Children, Oranga Tamariki, had been notified. AFP

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