Abandoned baby 'covered by twigs'

A baby thought to be less than three hours old has been found abandoned on a school playing field in Bedfordshire.

The newborn was found wrapped in a pink blanket and covered with twigs at Daubeney Middle School in Kempston.

A boy and girl, both 16, found the baby and took her to Bedford Hospital South Wing where nurses have named her Chloe.

Bedfordshire Police have issued an urgent appeal for help in tracing the baby's mother, who they say may be in need of medical assistance.

Appeal for witnesses

A police spokeswoman said: "Bedfordshire Police are concerned for the welfare of a woman who may have just given birth after a baby girl less than three hours old was found abandoned at a school playing field this lunchtime."

We are very concerned for the welfare of the mother and are urging her to come forward Bedfordshire Police spokeswoman

The spokeswoman said it was initially thought Chloe had been found under bushes but it had since been discovered she was partially covered by twigs and leaves.

She said that had "led police to believe some attempt was made to cover her up and shield her from view".

She added: "The baby was found in quite a deserted area of the school playing field.

"She was unclothed except for the pink blanket in which she was wrapped."

Police had initially thought the baby was found by three teenage boys but have since confirmed it was the two 16-year-olds who found her.

They said an older boy drove the pair and the baby to hospital.

In an earlier statement, the police spokeswoman said the teenagers who found Chloe "quickly realised the seriousness of the situation and were able to take the baby to South Wing Hospital".

She added: "It was thanks to their quick and speedy efforts that we believe the baby is in fact safe and well."

The spokeswoman said because of the extremely cold temperatures it was thought the baby could not have been left outdoors for long.

Medical staff at Bedford Hospital South Wing have estimated she was two to three hours old when found.

'Medical attention'

Police are trying to trace the baby's mother. They appealed for anyone who may have seen the baby being left at the school.

"We are very concerned for the welfare of the mother and are urging her to come forward and identify herself as she too may be in need of urgent medical attention," the spokeswoman said.

Det Sgt Daniel Cartwright, from Bedford CID, added: "Whatever the reason for this woman abandoning her child we can help her.

"We just want to make sure she is OK and tell her her baby is alive and well."