Dads horror as toddler wanders into middle of major Plymouth road

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Quick-thinking Leon raced to the aid of a little boy who had managed to wander into the middle of a major carriageway in and out of Plymouth

A Plymouth dad has recalled the terrifying moment he encountered a toddler who had stumbled across two lanes of traffic on Embankment Road.

Leon Gawman slammed on the brakes of his car as it dawned on him a child was in the middle of the carriageway as he travelled westbound beyond the fuel garage out towards the A38.

"At first I thought it was a seagull - but then I realised as I was getting closer that it was a child," the stunned 32-year-old said.

"So I threw on my hazard lights and spun my car around so that it was blocking two lanes, because he was about to go into the third lane."

Hero Leon, who was on on his way home after a busy shift for Royal Mail at Drake House in Plymstock, then jumped out and scooped up the boy before getting him back onto the pavement near some railings.

What's more, a little girl who Leon suspected was the little lad's sister was also seconds away from darting out.

"If I hadn't of been there, we would have had two deaths on our hands," Leon said.

Team leader Leon's actions were recognised on social media with Facebook's Plymouth Gossip Girls group raising to attention what had happened that day.

Members close to the scene posted about the events that unfolded.


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One woman told how she came across the scene and saw driver Leon - whose identity was not known at that time - leap into action.

She was one of a number in a queue of traffic who stopped their engines after noticing activity further ahead.

She said Leon deserved 'as much credit as possible' for ensuring disaster was averted.

Another member later informed that Leon was the one responsible for rescuing the toddler.

Leon said the boy and little girl were quickly reunited with their father, who ran down from one of the houses off the Embankment to apologise before leaving with them both in tow.

"It took at least five minutes for somebody to come running along," Leon said.

"I was angry to be honest - angry and shocked (that this had happened)."


"I have a few kids myself and I was on my way back to get them.

"But if I hadn't done what I had did then a car behind me would have hit the child head on."


Leon reported the incident to police later that day and the incident has now been placed on file.

He said he's received an email thanking him for bringing it to the attention of the force as priorities turn to protecting the public during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Devon and Cornwall Police has been approached for further comment by PlymouthLive about the circumstances.