POLICE searching for the mother of an abandoned baby in Worcester have released images of the bag he was found in.

The baby, who has been named Joseph, is currently in the care of Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

He was found in a Hessian bag Adrienne and Jon Hunt outside their home off Columbia Drive in Lower Wick after the doorbell was rung by at about 4.15am yesterday.

The baby, thought to be around 24 hours old when found, was dressed in a baby grow and wrapped in a blanket.

The bag he was found in is currently being forensically tested for anything that may help officers find the mother.

It is distinctive, bright orange and with a logo which says ‘Woolworths The Difference - a community based project’.

Members of the public have contacted West Mercia Police to say the bag is from South Africa.

Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Williamson said: “The mother’s health and welfare remain our priority and we are doing all we can to trace her so we can confirm she is safe and well.

“We would like to say thank you for the huge response we have had from the general public: we have seen a massive outpouring of concern and goodwill for Joseph and his mother.

However, the number of people contacting us with significant information has not been great and I want to repeat our appeal for anyone who might have the slightest idea who Joseph’s mother may be to get in touch.

“The mother may have concealed the pregnancy, so if anyone has any concerns about any women or girls who have been behaving unusually in recent days or weeks, please let us know.

“Please don’t rely on someone else calling in as the piece of information you have could be vital to us, no matter how small.

“We would like to know if anyone recognises the bag and knows someone who owns one like it. Also, if you know of anyone who may have a connection with South Africa and is due to give birth, please contact us.

“We are looking into the information passed to us that the bag could be from there and confirming whether this link is accurate.”

Patti Paine, head of midwifery at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said Joseph is safe and well and is still being looked after by staff at the hospital.

"We expect that he will stay with us for a few days so that we can continue to care for him whilst we try and make contact with his mother," she said.

“I would continue to appeal to Joseph’s mother, as I believe she may be in need of urgent medical attention and for her to please contact a midwife on 01905 760 663. We can arrange for her to be seen by a midwife, either at the hospital or wherever she is.”

Anyone who has any information as to who the mother could be, should to call West Mercia Police on the non-emergency police number 101.

Information can be passed on anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.