Appeal for premature baby and mother last seen in Belvedere Road

26-year-old Janice Osho-Williams, was seen leaving St Thomas' Hospital with her baby at 6.15am on Wednesday 17 January.

The next sighting of them is in Belvedere Road, walking past the Shell Centre at 6.33am.

Officers say that their concerns are especially strong as Ms Osho-Williams is a known drug user.

Hospital staff are extremely concerned for the safety of both the baby and mother. The baby boy, who has been named Isiah, is especially vulnerable as he was born prematurely on 9 January with a low birth weight.

Staff who have been caring for Janice are worried about her ability to care for her baby, and their concerns are heightened by the dreadful weather conditions this morning, which are expected to resume overnight.

"We are urgently seeking any information about Ms Osho-Williams. She is described as a 26 years old, black woman with curly black hair," says DI Keith Richardson of Kennington CID.

"When last seen on CCTV footage as she was leaving the hospital, her hair was tied in a bun and she was wearing pink trousers, trainers and a dark coloured jacket. She was carrying a large, distinctive black bag and a white carrier bag.

"I am appealing to everyone to keep an eye out for this mother and her baby – and to let police know immediately if you think you may have seen her at any time since 6.30am this morning [Wednesday]."

Hospital staff are appealing to Janice to contact her mother; to return the baby to St Thomas' Hospital; or to seek urgent medical attention so that baby Isiah receives the care that he desperately needs.

Please contact police on 999 if you see Ms Osho-Williams, or contact CID on 020 8649 2477 if you have any information.