boy missing
The boy wandered into this shop in Wigan on Friday (1 December). Google Streetview

Police have launched an urgent appeal after a toddler mysteriously wandered into a newsagents on his own, and as of yet, has not been reported missing.

The child, aged either two of three according to police, walked into C&L Oliver Newsagents on Belle Green Lane in Higher Ince, Wigan, at about 4.20pm on Friday (1 December).

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Greater Manchester Police (GMP) say police are concerned about his family as there was no sign of any adults looking after him.

The Manchester Evening News (MEN) has reported that the child now faces a night in emergency foster care if no one comes forward to collect him.

Police say they are looking after the child for the time being, after staff from the newsagents contacted them this afternoon.

The appeal from GMP say that the boy is white with mousey brown hair and was wearing a black tracksuit with grey trainers and a khaki green coat and blue bobble hat.

Insp Nicola Williams from GMP's Wigan team said: "The little boy was appropriately dressed for the cold weather but has not been reported missing.

"He is currently playing in the police station after having a little nap. He obviously must be scared however and just wants to go home.

"We are very keen to hear from anyone who may know who this boy is and where he has come from."

The Mirror online reported that the toddler was said to be 'right as rain' at the police station and has spoken a few words.

The child also spent around 30 minutes in C&L Oliver newsagents before police arrived where the shopkeeper said he was asking for 'mumma'.

The shop is owned by Zohaid Arshad, 29, who told the MEN: "He was OK. We gave him chocolate and a magazine and made sure he was OK. We looked after him and gave him anything he wanted."