An out-of-town family experienced "a parent's nightmare" on Friday morning when they woke to find their toddler missing.
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Detective Chief Inspector Mick Stoltenberg said the family were staying with friends not far from where the boy was located.
The two-year-old, who wandered the streets of West Albury before knocking on a woman's door about 4.30am, had let himself out of the house.
"The little fella has let himself out, he's obviously woken up and decided to go for a walk and that is exactly what he's done," Detective Chief Inspector Stoltenberg said.
"He hadn't travelled all that far which is a good thing but the main thing is he's safe.
"The family have woken up started searching the house and yard, then the balloon has gone up, they've panicked, they've contacted police and we've followed it up from there.
"It would be absolutely terrible for any parent to go through, I feel for the mother and father."
The detective said the boy was unharmed.
"Someone told me a lot of years ago it takes a village to raise a child and today is a perfect example because he turned up at a house where a local lady virtually adopted him as a grandson, so we're very lucky," he said.
IN OTHER NEWS:
"We're most definitely [lucky nothing else happened], not even anything untoward by someone else.
"You get a young child walking around, there's drains, there's traffic and all things like that that bring risk and cause danger, it's the best possible outcome for all concerned."
Police and Department of Community and Justice staff looked after the boy until his family were located and they were able to be tearfully reunited.
Detective Chief Inspector Stoltenberg said it was a reminder to all parents and guardians to ensure homes are childproofed.
He said residents should also be on the lookout if a child appears to be lost, or out of place, and contact authorities if need be.
"At two years of age kids love to climb love, to wander, and love to look around," he said.
"If there's anything to come out of this it's a reinforcement to everyone out there - know where your kids are at all times, look after them regardless of their age.
"Whether you be in a motel, your own home or staying with a friend, you need to know it's childproof."
Police will not be investigating further as there was no indication the incident was anything other than an accident.
"That's why the word accident exists, sometimes accidents happen," he said.
"We're talking about a young bloke who tried to go for a wander and a bit of an explore ... I don't anticipate it being anything other than accidental."
UPDATE:
The parents of a toddler found alone in the early hours of this morning have been found and reunited with their son.
NSW Police thanked the community for their assistance.
PREVIOUSLY:
Albury police are appealing for information after a toddler wearing Bluey pjamas was found alone in West Albury in the early hours of this morning.
Police have commenced a search for the boy's parents but have been unable to locate them.
It's believed the boy, aged about two, knocked on the door of a Waratah Street house at about 4.30am.
Police are looking after the boy while the investigation occurs.
The boy is described as being Caucasian with blue eyes and blond hair.
He is wearing Bluey pjamas.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Albury Police Station on (02) 6023 9299.