Abandoned baby discovered withnote asking for help to bury him

Staffordshire Police, whose handling of the incident is being investigated by the Independent Police Complaints Commission, said the baby was discovered in a carrier bag which also contained two 10 notes.

The commission has launched an independent inquiry into the initial police response to the discovery of the baby, who was not taken to hospital until almost an hour after he was found.

The baby, whose mother has not yet been traced, is thought to have lain undiscovered for at least four hours after being left on the steps of the Islamic centre in Shelton, Stoke-on-Trent.

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Bladen, who is leading the search for the mother, appealed for help from the public.

“Finding the baby’s mother and giving her the help and support she undoubtedly needs is our absolute priority,” he said.

“I urge anyone with any information to come forward. We have everything in place ready to help her. I am sure she is feeling very upset, distressed and frightened.”

The ethnicity of the baby – who was pronounced dead at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire around two hours after being found – has yet to be established.

DCI Bladen added: “The baby boy was wrapped in a carrier bag and two items of clothing, one of which was a white T-shirt.

“The bundle included two 10 notes and a note which said ‘Please help bury him’ and an Arabic word for thank you.”

Detectives wish to speak to anyone who was in the area around the Islamic centre between Friday evening and 6.30am on Saturday, when a witness saw the bundle but did not approach or examine it.

An Independent Police Complaints said: “Following scene assessments, the IPCC has decided to independently investigate the actions of police in their response to the initial calls regarding the baby.”