Police have asked the public for help tracing the mother of a baby found in the toilets of an Oxford hospital.

The boy, thought to have been born at 6pm on Monday, was found by staff at the John Radcliffe Hospital.

Doctors and police officers fear for the mother’s help and urged her to get treatment.

Medics at the hospital were looking after the newborn boy.

Sam Foster, chief nurse of Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I am appealing directly to the baby’s mother to please come forward to seek medical attention.

“Childbirth is a very emotional process, from a physical perspective you will need our medical and midwifery team to check that there are no complications from you giving birth.

“Here at the hospital we have midwives and doctors to give you the care you need and reunite you with your baby boy.”

The boy’s mother should call 01865 740 429 for help, the nurse added, “or contact 999 and ask to speak to the ambulance service”.

Anyone with information should call Thames Valley Police on 101, quoting reference number 1209 18/3/19.

Officers asked for witnesses who may have seen a distressed woman leaving the hospital Headley Way, Headington, late yesterday afternoon.