Burton-upon-Trent: Two-year-old walking to nursery on her own leads police to body of dead mother

A two-year-old girl found walking the streets alone led an off-duty police community support officer (PCSO) to the body of her dead mother. The toddler was spotted alone on a pavement by an officer who was driving his wife along Shobnall Road in Burton-upon-Trent last Wednesday (6 January).

When he asked the girl what she was doing, the two-year-old said: "I am going to nursery. I can't wake mummy up."

The young girl then led the officer to her home, just metres away, where her mother, Nicolla Rushton, was found dead. The 30-year-old's death is not being treated as suspicious.

The PCSO stayed with the girl until emergency services arrived. Chief inspector Steve Maskrey, of Staffordshire Police, praised the officer, telling the Derby Telegraph: "This is a brilliant piece of work by him that shows that we are never off duty. The officer and his wife took the time to look after the little girl and stay with her until emergency services arrived.

"Sadly nothing could be done to help the woman. My thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased at this difficult time."

Maskrey also paid tribute to the local community for its help in piecing together what happened after the girl was spotted. He said: "I must also praise the community who all came together and helped the police with their inquiries."

The girl is now being looked after by relatives, according to Staffordshire Police. An inquest into Rushton's death is expected to take place in due course.