A baby boy who died after being abandoned outside an Islamic centre was taken to hospital almost an hour after he was found, it has emerged.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said the newborn baby, who was found in Stoke-on-Trent at about 10.40am on Saturday, was taken to the University Hospital of North Staffordshire just under an hour later.
Confirming that the IPCC had launched an independent investigation into the incident, a spokeswoman for the Commission said the child had been taken to hospital at about 11.30am, but was declared dead a short time later.
Staffordshire Police initially informed the media that a baby's body had been found outside the Islamic centre in Beresford Street, Shelton, Stoke-on-Trent, although they later said the child had died in hospital at 12.30pm.
The IPCC spokeswoman said: "Staffordshire Police referred the case to the IPCC yesterday and investigators were deployed immediately.
"Following scene assessments, the IPCC has decided to independently investigate the actions of police in their response to the initial calls regarding the baby."
Meanwhile, detectives are continuing to appeal for the mother of the baby, who was found wrapped in a white bag and clothing, to come forward.
In a statement, IPCC Commissioner Rachel Cerfontyne said: "The death of any baby is a tragedy, and this case is deeply saddening.
"It is important that the IPCC independently investigates the initial response by Staffordshire Police to ascertain the actions taken by police to ensure that all correct procedures were followed.
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"At this sad time however it is also important to underline that Staffordshire Police will continue to investigate the death and to attempt to trace baby's mother, which is of primary importance."
