Week old baby abandoned in hedgerow (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Week old baby abandoned in hedgerow

A NEWBORN baby was found abandoned underneath a hedgerow in Purton.

The boy, believed to be only a week old, was discovered on a farm track in the Pavenhill area at 3.45pm on Friday by a man taking a walk.

A woman, who said she was the baby's mother, contacted police on Friday evening following a media appeal and was taken to Melksham police station to be interviewed.

She was also given a medical examination by a doctor.

The baby was found strapped in a blue and yellow checked baby car seat and still had his umbilical cord clamp attached.

He suffered slight sunburn after being left outside and was taken to Princess Margaret Hospital in Swindon to be checked over where his condition is described as 'absolutely fine.'

Detective Inspector Bob Hamlin, senior investigating officer in the case, said: "A baby, about one week old, was found by a member of the public at an isolated but well visited location near to Purton.

"The baby had been left, we believe, with the intention of being found rather than simply abandoned on a farm track not far from the village road."

With him was a teddy bear with a blue ribbon and some wet wipes and nappies.

The baby is currently being looked after by nurses at Princess Margaret Hospital.

On Saturday morning a 21 year-old woman, who is from the Reading area, was arrested on suspicion of abandoning the child and released on police bail into the care of her family.

Det Insp Hamlin added: "The main thing is the baby is safe and well and the mother is safe.

"We have to look at the best interests of both of them."

The child has not yet been named and is subject to a police protection order that gives joint responsibility to the police and social services.

caption: The newborn baby is now safe and well after being abandoned in a hedgerow