Abandoned Charlotte’s mum may be caught on CCTV

A CCTV camera is positioned above the bench. Picture: Ian Georgeson

The Evening News understands that an image was captured of the moment she was left, but it was not of good enough quality to aid in the hunt for the newborn’s mum.

The block at Hailesland Park in Wester Hailes is covered by CCTV, but it is not known if this particular camera is part of the city council’s network or whether it was trained on the bench at the time.

At a meeting of Wester Hailes Community Council on Wednesday, members said they were told by a police officer that a “grainy” image had been retrieved.

Chairman John Aitchison said: “The police have footage of somebody moving on camera but they can’t make out that person. There’s been a lot of door knocking going on to find out more, but it could be that whoever that person is, they are not from this area.

“Outside CCTV cameras are never the best quality and if a person does not want to be seen then they won’t be seen.”

Charlotte was found lying on a metal bench behind the flats on the afternoon of Thursday, April 11. The flats are well  covered by CCTV and have a concierge service.

Appeals to her mother – who police believe may have given birth at home without any medical help – to come forward have so far failed.

A team of officers has been carrying out door-to-door inquiries in the area.

Now in the care of foster carers, Charlotte is said to be in good health despite her ordeal.

Thought to have been less than a day old, she was left on the bench for up to 30 minutes before she was found by resident Lawrence Liddell and a friend.

Wester Hailes councillor Denis Dixon, who attended the community council meeting, said: “My understanding is there was someone in the image, but it was difficult from the CCTV cameras to work out the identity of that person.

“There’s not really much point in having CCTV cameras if you are able to record an image but not identity of who was involved in the incident.”

A city council spokeswoman said police had been provided with CCTV footage to assist with their investigation.

The spokeswoman said: “It would not be appropriate to comment any further while the investigation is ongoing.”

Police Scotland declined to comment.