An appeal is underway to find the mother of a new-born baby who was found abandoned on a doorstep in Hackney. In a bid to trace her, the Metropolitan police have released pictures of the newborn child and asked her to come forward.

The baby boy was discovered in Sandringham Road, Hackney on Saturday morning at 11:40am. He was wrapped in a white knitted blanket and was wearing a grey babygro and a grey hat. Reportedly, his umbilical cord was still attached as he was just 12 hours old at the time.

He was taken to an East London hospital by the London Ambulance Service. The baby has been named Edward by hospital staff after the member of the public who found him.

After initial enquiries, police believe he was “born out of a hospital environment” and are urgently trying to trace his mother.

Detective Sergeant Andy Barry said that finding Edward’s mother was his “primary concern”. He added: “I do not know the circumstances around Edward’s birth, but as a father myself, I understand how daunting becoming a parent can be.

“I can offer you help, please be assured that you are not in trouble. Edward is safe and well and your health and wellbeing is our priority.

“To anyone who may know Edward’s mother, I’d urge you to come forward and help me locate her,” adding that all inquiries would be treated in confidence.

“I’d also like to hear from anyone who was in the Sandringham Road area between 10am and 12pm on Saturday, 25 January. If you noticed anything or saw someone please contact us as a matter of urgency.”

In an attempt to gather more information, police have been reviewing CCTV and ANPR as well as speaking to rough sleepers in the area.

Anyone who has more information should contact the police on 101 with the quote Cad 3039/25Jan.