Rescue crews break window to reach crying child in Liepāja

Emergency crews broke a window to enter an apartment in Liepāja on Monday, October 12, after police heard a child crying inside and a woman refused to let them in, LSM reported.

Police had received information that the woman was drinking alcohol in the presence of children. Officers could not get her to open the apartment door and were unable to reach relatives at the time.

State Fire and Rescue Service workers used an aerial ladder to reach the woman’s balcony. They tried to persuade her through a window to open the balcony or apartment door, but she shouted that she would not do so while holding the child. The crew then broke a window to enter.

Police said the woman appeared to be intoxicated but refused an alcohol test. Medics examined the approximately one-year-old boy and found his health was in good condition. He was handed over to a relative.

Police have opened administrative proceedings over failure to fulfil child-care duties. The guardianship authority and social service have also been informed.

Residents of the apartment building said they had not heard of problems in the family, while relatives told police the woman had problems with alcohol. Police said the apartment was in good condition, with rooms for the children and no visible mess, but alcohol bottles were by the sink.