MIDDLETOWN - Police have charged two Englishwomen and are searching for a third suspect after they say the trio stole a stroller and left a child behind at Bambi Baby on Route 35.

Police received a report of shoplifting at 5:46 p.m. on Aug. 16, said Detective Lt. Paul Bailey, a spokesman for the department.

"There's three females that entered the store with a number of children," Bailey said. "They engage in some distraction activity with the employees inside the store and one of the females then takes a stroller."

One of the children was left behind when the group left, and one of the women "runs back to the store and gets the kid," Bailey said.

Police detectives first class Daniel Sullivan and Albert Scott and Detective Keith Hirschbein investigated and found two of the suspects — 23-year-old Maryann Cash of Surrey and 20-year-old Nan McCarthy of Effingham — in Eatontown, Bailey said. Each is facing a charge of shoplifting and conspiracy. The stroller was returned.

Bailey said the two women appeared to be pursuing residency in the United States.

Police are still investigating and seeking the third suspect. Anyone with anyone with information is asked to call Hirschbein at 732-615-2120.

Alex N. Gecan has covered crime in New Jersey since 2016. His work as a reporter and editor has earned him professional awards in Connecticut, Louisiana and New Jersey for public service, business reporting and features. Contact him at agecan@gannettnj.com or 732-643-4043 or follow him on Twitter @GeeksterTweets.