Newborn baby found abandoned in the manger of a nativity scene

A newborn baby was found abandoned in the manger of a nativity scene, police said.

The baby boy's umbilical cord was still attached when he was discovered around 1.30pm on Monday afternoon at a church in Queens, New York.

The custodian at Holy Child Jesus Church in Richmond Hill told police the manger was empty when he left for lunch and when he returned, he heard a baby crying, Pix11 reported.

When he looked at the nativity scene, he found the infant wrapped in towels lying in the manger.

The tot was taken to hospital where he is reportedly in good condition.

Police are now trying to trace the baby's mother, who they believe left him at the church.

According to the Safe Haven law, a church is considered a safe place to leave an infant within 72 hours of birth, but a responsible person must be in attendance at the time of the drop-off, Pix11 reported.