A desperate young mum who may have dumped her stillborn baby in this makeshift coffin could die, a detective warned today.

The police officer voiced his fears as he unveiled the blanket box which was found next to the baby on the public tip in Pudsey, along with a list of names.

Among the names the mum had toyed with and written in a sketchbook were James, Adam and Mike. Child-like sketches of dogs dotted the tragic list.

Now police fear that unless the mother receives urgent medical attention she could die from an infection picked up from the birth.

They believe the woman delivered the baby boy herself. He weighed just 7lbs and was naked apart from a salmon-coloured towel he was wrapped in.

"I want to make one thing absolutely clear," said investigating officer Detective Chief Superintendent Grahame Bullock, "we are not out to pillory her.

"No one is out for recriminations, our only concern is for this mother's welfare. We think that because she probably delivered the baby herself and the way in which the umbilical chord was cut, she is at risk of infection.

"No one wants to unnecessarily scare her, but this could lead to death. She needs urgent medical attention.

"No one wants to start any proceedings against the mother, just help her."

The plea came as police put on display the note book and carry cot found next to the baby which police hope may hold the key to tracing her.

It is now three days since the boy was found on the top of the Grangefield Industrial Estate.

The cot, a wooden blanket box, may have been the baby's first and only home before it was left on the tip and discovered on Tuesday at 8.30pm.

Det Chf Supt Bullock added: "We think the fact the mother used the tip means she probably has knowledge of the area and is local. We have had a reasonable response from the public but have not yet identified her. The call we want is from the woman herself, or anyone who knows her."

Officers have been checking with antenatal units and doctors in the area to establish the identity of the mother but have so far drawn a blank.

The body of the baby was found near the top of the waste site which detectives have said means it was probably left there before the site closed, at 5pm.

Police are also studying security camera footage and have not ruled out the possibility that someone other than the mother left the boy on the site.

Anyone with information on the mother or baby is asked to ring Pudsey Police Station on 0113 241 4859.