AN ABANDONED new-born baby girl was found in Stotfold last night (Wednesday), sparking a police appeal for the infant’s mother to come forward.

The baby, believed to be between one and five days old and wrapped in a blanket, was left outside a house in Kipling Crescent, Fairfield Park, in a plastic bag.

She was found by a homeowner at around 9pm as he was locking up for the night, police were immediately called and a search of the area was carried out through the night.

The baby, who is fit and well, was taken to Lister Hospital in Stevenage where she was cared for overnight, social services are now responsible for her care until her mother can be traced.

Det Insp Jerry Waite, from the Public Protection Unit, is leading the enquiry and is keen to speak to anyone who may have information about who the mother could be.

He 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.