Baby abandoned on London doorstep

A newborn boy was found abandoned on the doorstep of a home in west London late at night.

Wrapped in a towel and dressed in three layers of clothing including a blue romper suit, the 8lb baby was found by the householder in Park Avenue, Southall. Beside him was a plastic box containing baby cream and extra clothing for him.

Only four days old, the "slightly jaundiced" boy was taken to Ealing Hospital where staff have named him "Charlie" after the Charlie Chaplin ward he is in. One nurse caring for him said: "He is beautiful - an absolute favourite of everyone here."

Officers from Scotland Yard's Child Protection Unit today appealed for the mother or anyone who knows Charlie's real identity to contact police.

Detective Inspector Gordon Valentine said today: "We urgently need the mother to get in touch. We are worried about her state of mind and she may need medical attention."

Police think Charlie had been outside for about an hour before he was discovered at 10pm on Sunday. Anyone with information is asked to call them on 020 8246 1901 or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.