A RETIRED taxi driver came to the rescue of an 18-month-old baby boy found wandering barefoot in the street.

The toddler was discovered wearing just a nappy and a top and standing on the pavement next to a busy road crying.

Billy Dodd, 70, saw the little tot on the street in Everton on Thursday and pulled over to see if he was alright.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, he said he asked "What you doing there?".

He said the child just held its arms out to be picked up. He took the baby in his arms and called the police.

He said: "The child was no older than two years old, with no shoes or socks, with just a little top on."

Shortly afterwards two people were arrested on suspicion of child neglect and taken into police custody.

A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said a man and a woman have been arrested on suspicion of child neglect following the incident in Liverpool on Thursday.

A statement released on Friday said: "Merseyside Police can confirm that a man and a woman have been arrested on suspicion of child neglect following an incident in Liverpool, L5 yesterday evening, 2nd August.

"At around 10.30pm, officers were called to Breckfield Road North following reports of a concern for safety for an 18 month old boy was was seen to be alone.

"Shortly after police arrival, a man in his 40s and a woman in her 30s both from Liverpool were arrested and were taken to custody for further questioning.

"Safeguarding measures have been coordinated with social services to ensure the boy's safety."