Baby P council foster carer left toddler on bus

Haringey council - criticised over the 2007 death of Peter Connelly - launch probe into how child was left in buggy on Enfield bus

In 2007 Haringey Council faced wide-scale criticism over their handling of the death of 17-month-old Peter Connelly at the hands of his mother Tracy, her boyfriend Steven Barker and Barker's brother Jason Owen (PA)

A foster carer working for the council at the centre of the Baby P scandal reportedly abandoned a toddler on a bus in north London.

Haringey Council have launched an investigation into how the child was left in its buggy on the 491 bus in Enfield, according to The Sun.

The carer - reportedly paid up to £377 - was believed to be heading to hospital with the toddler last Friday, but got off the single-decker alone, leaving the child in its pushchair.

Passengers raised an alarm and the child was taken to hospital for checks before being given back to the council

The council, as well as the Metropolitan Police's child abuse unit, have launched an investigation.

A council spokemsan told The Sun: "The child was found safe and well and we are undertaking a full investigation.

"Steps were immediately taken to arrange a new fostering placement for the child."

In 2007 Haringey Council faced wide-scale criticism over their handling of the death of 17-month-old Peter Connelly at the hands of his mother Tracy, her boyfriend Steven Barker and Barker's brother Jason Owen.

He suffered more than 50 injuries despite being on the council's at-risk register and receiving 60 visits from social workers, police and health professionals in the eight months preceding his death.

Director of child services at Haringey Council Sharon Shoesmith was sacked in 2008.

A Scotland Yard spokesman told the Evening Standard: “A woman, who identified herself as the child’s foster carer, contacted emergency services.

“The child was checked at hospital before being handed back to the care of social services.

“Inquiries are ongoing. There have been no arrests. Social services are investigating the matter in partnership with the MPS Child Abuse Investigation Command.”