A little girl who died after being found abandoned in a parked car had been left there for a “considerable amount of time” while her parents were “at work and looking after their family”.

The two-year-old girl was found by emergency services in a vehicle in the Cassowary Coast Council car park at Innisfail, near Cairns in Far North Queensland.

They were called to carry out a welfare check just before 1pm on Monday after concerned residents raised the alarm as temperatures rose above 30C.

Paramedics treated the girl at the scene before she was rushed to Innisfail Hospital in a critical condition, but could not be revived.

Queensland Police Superintendent Mick Searle described the investigation as “complex and detailed” and said the small child had been there for “a significant period of time”.

“We are being assisted by the family and other specialist police officers and this investigation will continue for some time,” he said.

“Support is being extended to family, friends and the Innisfail community, and our deepest sympathies go out to everyone involved in this matter.

He said it was too early to say whether charges would be laid, but confirmed the parents had said they were working and with family at the time.

Toddler dies after being found unconscious in car in north Queensland

Support is available for first responders

Mourners left a floral tribute where the car was parked

He said it was a difficult time for first responders and support was being provided to them.

Speaking yesterday, Cassowary Coast Mayor Teresa Millwood said it was a tragic event.

“Cassiowary Coast Regional Council would like to extend its condolences to the family involved and if there is anything we can do we will be happy to help,” she said.

Mourners flocked to social media to offer their condolences to the family, with some leaving flowers where the car was parked.