The Citroën car was snatched at 2pm yesterday from a back lane in Ariel Street, in Ashington, Northumberland.

The thief drove the vehicle only 400 yards, with the 19-month-old boy in the back, before slamming it into a street sign and fleeing the scene on foot.

A helicopter search helped trace the man and the baby was taken to Wansbeck General Hospital, where it was discovered he had suffered no injuries.

A 35-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident.

Father-of-two Chris Brown, 26, a graphic designer from nearby Woodhorn Road, said: "There were quite a few police vans around and it looked like they were searching pretty hard.

"I would have been terrified if it was my child."

The boy's parents were too upset to discuss the incident.

A Northumbria Police spokesman confirmed that the child had been in the back seat of the car, and said a man had been arrested and was helping with their inquiries.

He said: "At 2.15pm, police received reports that a Citroën car had been stolen from Ariel Street in Ashington, before coming to a halt about 400 yards further down the street.

"The car owner contacted police and said his 19-month-old baby was in the baby seat in the rear of the vehicle.

"The child was taken to Wansbeck General Hospital, but he had no injuries.

"A 35-year-old man has been arrested and is helping us with our inquiries."