Police in Devon have located the mother of the baby boy abandoned two days before Christmas.

The unnamed woman left her two-month-old son, dubbed Noel by Devon and Cornwall social services, in his pushchair at the civic centre in Plymouth last Tuesday.

Gifts have arrived from wellwishers

Witnesses described the young mother as "distressed". One said the woman cried: "I have had enough, I cannot cope" before fleeing.

Police and social services held a press conference on Monday at which more details about the baby and his mother were revealed.

Inpsector Evans and Paul Mansell speak to reporters at the press conference (56')

Inspector David Evans, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said the mother had not yet met the baby, but was responding well to support offered by social services.

The woman is local to the Plymouth area and gave birth to the baby about two months ago.

Inspector Evans: No quick fix

Insp Evans said: "This is not a quick-fix situation. There are a lot of problems that have occurred with this woman and the baby over time and social services are going to have to spend quite a lot of time trying to resolve the issue."

Social services anticipate contact between the mother and child in the next few days but say the baby will remain in care for the time being.

Paul Mansell: The future is uncertain

Paul Mansell, District Manager for Devon Social Services, said: "In terms of being reunited with her child in the long term, that is to be determined by assessment by the various professionals involved."

The baby was well nourished, warmly dressed and well cared for when he was abandoned. He spent his first Christmas Day with foster parents surrounded by presents from well-wishers.

It is unlikely the mother will face any criminal charges in connection with abandoning her child.
 

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