Police want the mother of an abandoned two-day-old baby boy, found in north London, to come forward.

The baby was found by a member of the public in Elthorne Park, Hazellville Road, N19 about 4pm on Monday.

The baby, who is black, is being cared for at Whittington Hospital. He is described as healthy, and weighs 2.5kg.

The baby had been left in the park outside the Philip Noel Baker Peace Garden and was inside a blue, rucksack-type, canvas bag, wrapped in a white pillow case, a grey hooded top and a piece of blue denim cloth. Also in the bag was a note, which read:

"My name Jermaine and I was born on 3rd May 2003 at 1215am."

A Scotland Yard spokesman said members of the public have reported seeing a female running away from the location where the child was left on Monday May 5.

She is described as black, in her mid 20s and of heavy build, with dreadlocked hair tied back into a bunch.

She was wearing a light blue denim jacket and jeans.

Shortly after the female was seen running away, an anonymous phone call a woman called London Ambulance Service, directing them to where the child had been left.

Police, together with Islington Social Services, are now investigating the incident.

DI Colin Welsh, from Islington's Child Protection Unit, said: "We understand that the mother may well be frightened and distressed but we are here to help.

"Our primary concern is to ensure her welfare and safety, and that of her child.

"The baby is being well cared for but we need to know who he is and where he comes from. We also want to offer the best support to mum too."

"We request any members of the public with information regarding the identity of the child's mother or if they recognise the woman matching the description above to come forward. Their calls will be treated in the strictest confidence."

Anyone with information should contact DI Welsh at Islington Police Station on 020 7421 0308 or the Control Room on 020 7704 1212.