Police searching for mother after baby found dead in Kent park near leisure centre

Kent Police have urged the mother to come forward for help

Police cordon at the scene in Sheerness, Kent where the baby was found (PA)

A baby has been found dead in a park near a leisure centre in Kent, sparking a police search for its mother.

The unidentified infant was discovered in the town of Sheerness on the Isle of Sheppey just before 1pm on Saturday.

It’s age and cause of death are currently unknown and the police investigation is ongoing.

Police appealed for the mother to come forward and asked for anyone who may have information to get in touch.

In a statement the force said: “As part of their enquiries, officers are also keen to locate the mother of the child to ensure her wellbeing.

“Those that do come forward should know that the information will be handled in a sensitive way.”

It follows hundreds of mourners attending the funeral of a baby girl found dead in a black bag in Oxford last year.

More than 150 people attended the funeral of the girl, who was called Raihana by the police, at Wolvercote Cemetry in Oxford in October after police launched an appeal.

A coroner ruled the baby had been stillborn and it is believed the birth took place elsewhere and her body was moved to the scene.

The identity of the mother is still unknown and police have urged her to come forward.

Anyone with information has been asked to contact Kent Police on 101 quoting case number 04-0641.