Yesterday afternoon, 2 July 2026, police officers in Novo Mesto received a desperate call for help from a Polish national staying at a campsite in the Posavje region. The caller explained that her two-year old daughter had gone missing. The toddler and her little brother had wandered just a short distance away from the campsite. When she lost sight of them, the mother ran after them, but the little girl was no longer there. She called out for her and searched for her, but to no avail.
All the available officers from the BreĹľice Police Station and a police dog handler from the Novo Mesto Police Dog Unit were immediately called to the location.
A swift and extensive search operation was launched under the police leadership. We combed through the campsite, the embankments, paths, the surrounding area, bodies of water and every place the little girl might have gone. Security guards, firefighters and rescue dog handlers also immediately joined the search. The initiative shown by the campsite guests from different countries was incredible; they immediately recognised the emergency and selflessly rushed to help.
Everyone participating in the search felt their hearts racing. The wish to spot the fair-haired little girl in her white dress with green flowers as soon as possible was immense. And it was here that the incredible power of human solidarity and the willingness to help those in distress was demonstrated once again.
After just under an hour and a half of selfless searching by everyone involved, a campsite guest from Scotland found the little girl less than a kilometre away, near a maize field. She carried the little girl in her arms to the police, who returned her to her mother’s embrace. A moment that is hard to put into words. Relief, tears, and joy.
The little girl was examined by the paramedics, who also rushed at the scene. Fortunately, she only suffered a few scratches during her wanderings and was simply exhausted from the heat. Most importantly, the story ended the way we all hoped it would – with a happy ending.
We wish to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped:
- campsite guests and visitors at the Terme ÄŚateĹľ, who immediately came to her aid,
- the visitor from Scotland who found the girl,
- Sintal security guards,
- firefighters from the Cerina Volunteer Fire Brigade,
- rescue dog handlers,
- paramedics from the BreĹľice Health Centre,
- staff at Terme ÄŚateĹľ, and
- all the police officers who took part in the search operation.
Yesterday’s search proved once more that people are the greatest asset of a community. When we come together and each do our share, even stories full of fear, despair and uncertainty can end with a smile, hug, and tears of joy.
Today, two policewomen visited the little girl and her mother. They gave her a police teddy bear as a souvenir of an event which, we hope, will eventually turn into a memory of the kindness of the people, who helped her return safely to her mother’s arms. It was a teddy bear to give courage and a reminder that we are not alone in times of trouble.
Our sincere gratitude goes to everyone who was part of this story with a happy ending. And all the best in life, little girl in the white dress with green flowers!
The first picture of the little girl was created using artificial intelligence.