AN abandoned new-born baby discovered in Stotfold has been placed with foster parents while her family are sought.

The girl, nick-named Isabella Ward by hospital staff, was discovered by chance on Wednesday night by a resident of Kipling Crescent, Stotfold as he was locking up.

Emergency services were scrambled and the infant, who is fit and well, was rushed to Lister Hospital where she received care.

She has now been discharged and has been placed with a foster family by social services at Central Bedfordshire Council.

Cllr Anita Lewis, portfolio holder for Children’s Services at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “First and foremost I am pleased to say that baby Isabella is fit and well and has been placed with a foster family who will care for her until her family have been located and decisions about her future care have been made.

“We are obviously very concerned about the health and wellbeing of her mother who must have been suffering from a great deal of pressure to have taken this action.

“It is important that we find her as soon as possible so that we can offer her any help and support that she may require at this difficult time.”

The police are investigating the incident and are attempting to trace the girl’s mother, however they are keen to stress that they only wish to speak to her.

Detective Inspector Jerry Waite, from the Public Protection Unit, said: “The baby is safe and well so our priority now is to find her mother.

“She must have been under great personal pressure in order to have felt she had no choice but to abandon her child.

“I would like to reassure her that our concern is for her wellbeing.

“She may need medical attention and will clearly be distressed so if she, or anyone who knows her, can tell us where she is please contact the police.”

Anyone with information can call the main switchboard on 01234 841212, send a text to 07786 200011 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.