British police search for mother of abandoned baby

British police are trying to identify the mother of a newborn baby found abandoned inside public toilets just hours after being born.

Merseyside Police are keen to trace the mother of the girl, who has been named April by staff at the Ormskirk Hospital where she is being treated.

Emergency services were called to Silcock’s Amusement Arcade on Nevill Street in Southport at about 6.50pm yesterday after staff found a baby abandoned inside the disabled toilets.

The pictures, released by police today, show the baby girl dressed in a floral-patterned pink baby grow provided by the staff.

A police spokesman said there was evidence to suggest the baby was “born where she was found”.

Police said the baby was “safe and well” in hospital, and issued an appeal to trace April’s mother, who might require medical attention as officers believe the birth may have been “unsupervised”.

Detective Inspector Mike Dalton said: "Our primary concern is for the health of the girl's mother. She is not in any trouble.

“I would urge April’s mother to urgently come forward or at least seek treatment, as she could suffer medical complications which are potentially very dangerous.

“Please make contact with Ormskirk Hospital as soon as possible, if you are outside the area please get in touch with a medical professional.

“You are not in trouble, we need to get you back together with your daughter.”

A 24-hour phone line has been set up by the hospital, in order for the mother to make contact. The number is 01695 656 926. Anyone who may be able to help locate April’s mother is asked to contact officers on 0151 777 3835.

PA