NEW Westminster Police on Sunday evening responded to a call for service in the 100-block of Agnes Street after nearby residents heard a mother in distress. When officers attended the scene they found a child was being tended to by numerous bystanders. Officers provided aid and called for BC Emergency Health Services paramedics and New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services.

Officers learned that the child had got caught in the garage door and had suffered injuries. A heroic neighbour heard the mother in distress and rushed to free the child who was unable to free itself from the moving parts of the garage door.

“This person heard someone in distress and came running to their aid,” said Sgt. Andrew Leaver. “They ran out of their residence not knowing what they were going to encounter, and when they saw the child, they acted quickly to free them.”

“It’s heartwarming to see neighbours doing the right thing,” said New Westminster Fire and Rescue Service Chief Erin Williams. “When our staff arrived on scene they could tell everyone was concerned for the well-being of both the child and their mother.”

The New Westminster Police Department said it would like to thank this neighbour for their willingness to help in an emergency. It said officers extend their thanks to neighbours for their patience as securing the scene made the garage inaccessible for several hours.