POLICE smashed a car window to rescue a "distressed" 18-month girl who had been locked inside in scorching weather.
Officers rushed to free the small child after worried members of the public called 999.
The incident happened this afternoon in Market Street, Clay Cross.
Police said the girl had been "distressed" and that a 46-year-old man was arrested shortly afterwards.
A police spokesman said: "Officers arrived and smashed a window; an 18-month-old girl was recovered from the car and was taken into a nearby Adult Community Education Centre where an ambulance was called.
"The child was taken to Chesterfield Royal Hospital as a precautionary measure.
"A 46-year-old man has been detained by police and social services are involved."
