Police are continuing to look for the mother of a newborn baby who was found abandoned on a doorstep in east London at the weekend.

Officers are growing increasingly concerned for the welfare of the mother and have released pictures of the baby in an attempt to find her.

The baby boy was discovered wearing a grey babygrow and wrapped in a white knitted blanket on Sandringham Road in Hackney on Saturday. He was about 12 hours old when he was discovered by a postman at around 11am.

The baby was taken to hospital and has been named Edward by hospital staff.

Police believe he was “born outside of a hospital environment” and have appealed to his mother to come forward, assuring her she is not in trouble and will be helped. According to police, the baby boy had been fed and left in an open area, rather than somewhere hidden.

Officers have been speaking to rough sleepers in the area and reviewing CCTV footage, while specialist units have been employed to search the area.

DS Andy Barry, from the central east area safeguarding unit of the Metropolitan police, said the child was being well cared for in hospital and “is a healthy, bonny lad”.

“I am reaching out to Edward’s mother. You are my primary concern. I do not know the circumstances around Edward’s birth, but as a father myself, I understand how daunting becoming a parent can be,” he said. “I can offer you help. Please be assured that you are not in trouble. Edward is safe and well and your health and wellbeing is our priority.”

He also urged anyone who might know Edward’s mother to come forward and give information in confidence.

“I’d also like to hear from anyone who was in the Sandringham Road area between 10am and 12pm on Saturday 25 January,” said Barry. “If you noticed anything or saw someone please contact us as a matter of urgency.”