CCTV clue over abandoned baby

The couple left Joe in his pushchair with spare clothes and food

Police have released CCTV footage of a couple they believe abandoned a baby at a West Bromwich hospital.

The child, described as being of oriental origin and aged about 18 months, was left in the maternity department of Sandwell District General Hospital at 1540 BST on Tuesday.

The baby boy, who hospital staff have called Joe, was left behind by a man and a woman, who are also described as being of oriental origin.

Police have had to check seven hours of CCTV footage and believe the images they have released are those of the couple who abandoned Joe at the hospital.

Inspector Howard Lewis-Jones said: "We are confident that the images we've got from CCTV footage will be recognised by someone out there.

Joe is now being cared for by foster parents

"We would certainly urge the two who came into the hospital with Joe, or anyone who recognises them, to contact us as soon as possible."

Joe, who was left in his pushchair with spare clothes and food, has been checked over by medical staff and is in very good health.

Pauline Werhun, director of nursing at Sandwell District General Hospital, said: "We're not quite sure what's going on in his little mind.

"I think he probably is missing his mummy and daddy and he's probably a little bit confused."

Joe left the maternity ward on Wednesday afternoon and is being cared for by a foster family.

Police are stressing they are not treating Joe's abandonment as a criminal investigation and say their aim is to reunite him with his parents.