Police officer rescues toddler running alone down busy highway

A police officer has rescued a two-year-old toddler who was running down a busy highway in the US.

Dash cam footage shows the child suddenly appearing on the road ahead of the police car in the state of Oregon.

Lincoln County Deputy Jeremy Gautney quickly rescued the toddler from the danger of being hit by a car.

The incident is a chilling reminder to stay alert on the road.

"Shortly after removing the child from the highway, Deputy Gautney was alerted to the child’s frantic parents who were searching for him," said Lincoln County Sheriff's Office spokesman Lt. Curtis Landers told local media.

"The child was returned to them unharmed."

Police said the parents of the toddler had been cleaning up after a nearby gathering when the child slipped through an open door and darted straight for the highway.

Police have released CCTV of the incident for ‘educational purposes’ to prompt drivers to pay better attention on the road.

The incident was investigated and determined to be an accident.

No criminal charges will be laid.