Appeal for baby's mother

Police are today trying to trace the mother of a six-week-old baby found abandoned on a doorstep.

The tiny girl was discovered wrapped in a blanket by a woman on the doorstep of her house in Holloway at 5.10am on Monday.

She was taken to the Whittington Hospital, where nursing staff have named her Christina.

Detective Inspector Colin Welsh, of the Islington child protection unit, said it was not known how long Christina had been on the doorstep before she was found. He said: "The person who lives at the address discovered Christina after she heard her crying and went to investigate.

"There is nothing to suggest she knew the baby or the mother and it is impossible to establish whether the mother was local to the area or just passing through.

"Our primary concern is her welfare and the safety of her baby. Christina is being well cared for and it is essential we trace mum as soon as possible." Christina was fit and healthy and would stay in hospital until tomorrow when she would be placed in temporary foster care.

He asked for anyone who knew the mother or had information about a woman who had been pregnant but didn't now have a child to come forward.

Anyone who can help should contact Mr Welsh at Islington police station on 020 7421 0276 or the Whittington Hospital on 020 7288 3203. Calls will be treated in confidence.