A traumatised passerby found the baby in the water at around 1pm, and called emergency services. However, the young boy was confirmed dead at the scene in Rough Wood Country Park near Walsall, West Midlands.

Police are now appealing to find the baby’s mother to check her welfare, reports Birmingham Live.

Detective Inspector Wes Martin, from West Midlands Police, said: “This is a tragic investigation and our priority is to now find the baby boy’s mum to make sure she is ok.

“She may be in need of urgent medical attention and she is our absolute priority at the moment.

“We have been speaking to members of the public and would urge anyone with information to get in touch.”

But a force spokesman added: “Please don’t speculate on the circumstances of this distressing incident, it hinders our investigation and is upsetting for those involved.”

All entrances to the nature reserve were sealed off yesterday.

West Midlands Ambulance Service also attended the scene.

“We were called by police at 1.14pm to Rough Wood Country Park. We sent two ambulances, a paramedic officer and a critical care paramedic to the scene,” a spokeswoman said.

The Wyrley and Essington Canal runs through the green space. It goes eastwards from its start point near Wolverhampton out to Staffordshire.