Two-year-old Maddison told her father “mummy’s in the bush” when the toddler was found in Kathleen Barron’s abandoned car on a road at Coffs Harbour, on the NSW mid-north coast, last Tuesday.

Coffs Harbour Detective Senior Constable Glen Pearce said the resident was in her home when she heard Mrs Barron’s screams and went out to investigate.

“We are uncertain how Mrs Barron survived since her disappearance five days ago,” [Inspector Jason Breton] said. “Mrs Barron is understandably in a very dehydrated and emaciated condition. It is not expected she will be well enough for interview until later this week.”

A MOTHER who left her toddler strapped in a car and disappeared into bushland for five days was found yesterday after she was heard screaming for help.

Two-year-old Maddison told her father “mummy’s in the bush” when the toddler was found in Kathleen Barron’s abandoned car on a road at Coffs Harbour, on the NSW mid-north coast, last Tuesday.

The mysterious disappearance of the 30-year-old sparked a large-scale search by local police and State Emergency Service volunteers.

Hundreds of pamphlets with photographs of Mrs Barron were handed out and media appeals made through the week.

But a local stumbled across her yesterday after hearing her cries for help.

Coffs Harbour Detective Senior Constable Glen Pearce said the resident was in her home when she heard Mrs Barron’s screams and went out to investigate.

“She was heard yelling from the bush from a nearby house,” he said. “She was just yelling and screaming, no words in particular.

“The woman had to go walking out to the bush to find her.”

Mrs Barron was in Coffs Harbour hospital last night, undergoing treatment for exposure. Police said she was in no state to be interviewed.

Police still have no clues as to what sparked the mother’s actions.

Detective Chief Inspector Jason Breton said Mrs Barron was confused and disoriented when found.

“We are uncertain how Mrs Barron survived since her disappearance five days ago,” Inspector Breton said. “Mrs Barron is understandably in a very dehydrated and emaciated condition. It is not expected she will be well enough for interview until later this week.”

Inspector Breton said the relieved family had been notified and police would continue to search the area where Mrs Barron was found to help determine the circumstances behind her disappearance.