29 Feb 2012

Children locked in car at casino carpark

10:34 pm on 29 February 2012

Police are considering laying charges against a couple after their five children were found locked inside a vehicle in an Auckland casino carpark.

They say the children, including a five-month-old baby, were spotted in distress in the car at the Skycity Casino's underground carpark by a member of the public.

Skycity Casino says the pair were located on its premises using the pokie machines.

It says it has reviewed video surveillance footage which revealed the children were left unattended for 45 minutes by the parents.

The Government's child protection agency says it had already been working with the family.

Child, Youth and Family says the children have been placed with caregivers and are safe and well.

The agency says it is too early to say what the long-term care of the children will involve.