POLICE have said a baby is safe following reports it had been abandoned.

An appeal was posted on Facebook, which has had more than 1,000 shares, saying a two-month old baby had been left with a family in the Colchester area.

However Essex Police have confirmed the child is safe.

A spokesman said: "We are aware of social media reports suggesting that a two-month old baby has been abandoned in the Colchester area.

"We have investigated these reports and spoken to the parents of the child. We are satisfied that the baby is okay and that no criminal offences have been committed.

"We thank people for expressing their concern in relation to this matter but would like to reassure you that the child has not come to any harm."