Search for abandoned baby's mother

Police have released pictures of clothing the baby was dressed in

Detectives searching for the mother of a newborn baby abandoned in Ayrshire have issued an appeal to trace two women.

CID officers have released pictures of the clothing worn by the new-born girl, named Sarah by nurses, when she was discovered.

The baby was found wrapped in a green bath towel and a black sweatshirt with a distinctive traffic light style motif associated with US rock band, Blink 182.

Police hope that these could lead them to the baby's mother.

Officers are also keen to trace anyone who was in or around the Howat Crescent or Mill Road area of Irvine on Saturday morning, particularly two women.

Detective Inspector John Mitchell said he would like to speak to a young woman who was seen in Mill Road around 0720 BST on the day.

We are concerned that the mother may require urgent medical attention

Strathclyde Police

She is described as being around 20 years of age, with dark brown hair, a tanned complexion and was wearing black trousers and a black jacket.

Police also want to talk to a second young woman who was seen at 0930 BST in Howat Crescent.

She is described as being of slim build, about 5ft, with short, dark, bobbed hair and was wearing dark jeans and a dark top.

Baby Sarah is in a critical but stable condition at Glasgow's Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Yorkhill, where she is receiving specialist lung treatment.

Strathclyde Police are anxious to trace the baby's mother as she may require medical attention.

An incident room has been set up at Irvine police station and detectives have carried out door-to-door inquiries.

Sarah is 'critical but stable' in hospital

Officers were also visiting schools in the area on Monday.

A police spokeswoman said: "We are not saying the mother is a schoolgirl but we are pursuing all the avenues that are available to us at this stage."

The child was discovered by a member of the public outside a house in Howat Crescent, Irvine, shortly before 1000 BST on Saturday.

The baby was taken to Ayrshire Central Hospital, where she was treated in the neo-natal intensive care unit before being transferred on Sunday.

Strathclyde Police said: "Obviously we are concerned that the mother may require urgent medical attention, and we would appeal for her to come forward so help can be provided."

Police have urged anyone with information on the identity of the baby or her mother to come forward.

The incident room at Irvine police office can be contacted on 01294 404410.