Police are trying to locate the mother of a baby found dead in a park in Sheerness today.

The infant's remains were discovered in The Broadway just before 1pm and there was a large police presence in the town into the evening.

Police said tonight they were keen to locate the mother of the child to ensure her well-being.

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They are also urging anyone who knows anything about the circumstances to come forward, and stress any information will be handled sensitively.

A police spokesman said: "At 12.48pm on Saturday 4 March 2017 Kent Police received a report stating that the remains of an infant had been found in Broadway, Sheerness.

"The age and identity is not currently known and neither is the cause of death.

"Officers are at the scene conducting enquiries and are keen to hear from anyone who may have information that can help them establish the circumstances.

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

The green between the swimming pool and Roman Catholic Church on the seafront at Sheerness was cordoned off by police.

Officers taped off all three entrances to the green from Marine Parade, the promenade and an alley next to the pool, which is part of the Sheppey Leisure Complex.

A paramedic was also on the scene and two ambulances were parked nearby.

Witnesses said five police cars were also there, as well as crews from Kent Fire and Rescue and forensic officers.

Residents said police initially refused to say why the small park, often used as a landing pad for the Kent Air Ambulance, had been closed and was out of bounds.