Manama: Bahrain police have arrested a man for stealing a car with a four-year-old child inside.

The father reportedly left the Lexus with the engine running as he walked into a store in the posh area of Adliya in Manama at around 7pm. However, when he came out, he did not find the car and alerted the police.

The police launched a manhunt operation and a patrol located the car in 30 minutes near Hamad town, around 15 kilometres from where it had been stolen.

The thief, 27, was arrested after a car chase followed by an attempt to flee on foot.

Child is safe

The police said that the child was in good health.

Several drivers, mindful of the scorching heat and seeking to keep their cars air-conditioned especially if there are passengers, tend to leave the engine running as they hop off to a shop nearby.