Police appealing to find abandoned baby's mum release image of woman they wish to speak to

Police appealing to find the mother of a baby boy abandoned in a park have released CCTV footage of a woman they say could have vital information.

The newborn infant, since named George by those looking after him, was discovered by a dog walker at The Mounds, off Shannon Road in Kings Norton, Birmingham, at about 5.30pm on April 22.

Officers are now trying to find the boy's mother.

In a direct appeal to her, Detective Inspector Neil Hunt of West Midlands Police said: “To you, Mom, I don’t know why you left baby George here but giving birth is a significant event and I am concerned you may need medical treatment and support.

“You’re not in trouble.

“We need to find out what happened – and we can help.”

In his message to the mother, he said she was his "primary concern right now", and officers "really need to make sure you’re OK".

"I don’t know the circumstances around George’s birth but, as a parent myself, I know exactly how overwhelming becoming a parent can be.

“We’re ready to offer you any help and support you may need. George is safe and well, and your health and wellbeing is our priority - please be assured that you are not in any trouble.

Police have released CCTV footage showing a woman walking along Shannon Road just before 5.10pm on the day George was found, saying they believe she may "have vital information about what happened".

"What we do know is that person is here at around the time we believe the baby was left here," said DI Hunt, describing her as “ white female, around 5’6″, with brown hair.

Baby George was thought to be just a few hours old when he was found, weighting 7lb 4oz.

He was discovered wearing grey leggings and an orange and white striped t-shirt, and wrapped in a blanket on a quiet hilltop clearing, partially surrounded by vegetation.

DI Hunt said the baby was doing “really well”, “feeding well and gaining weight".

“We’re really pleased with him," he added.

“If Mom is listening – he’s doing well.”

He has been named George as he was discovered on the eve of St George's Day.

Detectives have also been handing out leaflets in the area George was found in a bid to encourage witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

“I’d also like to hear from anyone who was in the area between 5pm and 6pm last Thursday, April 22," continued DI Hunt.

"If you noticed anything or saw someone, please contact us as a matter of urgency."

Anyone who can help is urged to contact West Midlands Police anytime by calling 101 or by using the live chat on the force's website between 8am and midnight.

Detectives are in the area today handing out leaflets, encouraging any witnesses or anyone who knows anything to contact us.

People can also anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 quoting crime number 3476 of 22 April.