Appeal For Man In Abandoned Baby Case

23 March 2011, 16:23 | Updated: 23 March 2011, 16:43

Detectives trying to trace the mother of a baby girl abandoned in Stotfold last week are appealing for help identifying a man who witnesses saw leaving the bag containing the newborn in Kipling Crescent a week ago today.

Witnesses describe the man as white, aged in his mid to late 30s, of slim almost skinny build, 6'0" tall with short dark hair, wearing dark clothing. He was seen in the street carrying a heavy looking black holdall at around 9pm, just minutes before the baby was found on the doorstep of a house.

Pictures of the bag the baby was found in have been released in order to help jog the memory of other potential witnesses. In particular, police would also like to identify and speak with a group of teenagers who were seen hanging out in the park area in front of the house where the baby was left. The four or five youngsters are aged between 15 and 18. Police do not believe they are connected to the incident but may have been in a good position to see something and are urged to come forward.

Jerry Waite speaking to Heart

Detective Inspector Jerry Waite said his concern however was still for the mother. "A week has gone by since the baby was left in Kipling Crescent and we still need to know what has happened to Mum. The fact that a man may have been responsible for leaving the baby still means that she is unaccounted for. I really must stress that we are not here to judge the Mum for any choices she has made. At this stage we just need to know she is safe and well. I would appeal to her, or the man who may be with her, to contact the police in confidence."

The baby, who was named Isabella Ward by staff at Lister Hospital where she was cared for after being found, is now being looked after by a foster family.

Anyone with information that could help should call Bedfordshire Police in confidence, on 01234 841212, text to 07786 200011 or call Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.