The RUC is appealing for the mother of a new-born baby found in a shoe box in north Belfast to come forward. The infant is well after being rescued from freezing conditions in the car-park of Fortwilliam Golf Club on Sunday night.
The baby boy was found wrapped in a vest and blanket in a shoe box close to the entrance of the club. He was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital where staff have named him Christopher. He is said to be "doing well".
He was discovered by Ms Joanne Clarke and her husband, Dessie, as they left a family party at the golf club. "We were about to get into the car when my husband noticed a white object lying between the hedge and the wheel of the car," said Ms Clarke.
"He gave it a slight tap with his foot as he thought it might be a bag with bottles in it, and there was this crying sound. At first we thought it was a wind-up toy, but then we realised it was a baby. I lifted him, and we went back into the golf club and telephoned for an ambulance."
She said the baby was washed and wrapped in a heavy, white sheet. "He was not in any distress. He had a baby vest underneath. He must have been only two hours old but, although he had been abandoned, his mother had obviously looked after him as best she could. She was clearly anxious for his welfare."
It is believed Christopher was born at about 8 p.m. on Sunday. Staff at the Royal Victoria said he was "very healthy and very well".
Ms Heather Kyle, senior midwifery sister at the hospital, said: "He is a beautiful baby. We all love him. He had a bath this morning and is also eating well. At this time it is critical for his mum to come forward."
The RUC also issued a similar appeal. Insp Mark Kernahan said: "I am concerned that the mother could be very confused at this time. I appeal to her, come forward, come and talk to us, come and speak to the hospital."