Infant abandoned in freezing stairwell

TORONTO, Jan. 31 (UPI) -- Toronto police were asking for public help Thursday in finding the identity of a man who abandoned an 8-month-old baby girl in a freezing stairwell.

The infant was spotted in a mall parking garage midday Wednesday by a woman who said she thought it was a doll until it cried, The Toronto Star reported.

"She was abandoned there and was not dressed for the elements at all, " said Toronto Police Staff Sgt. Don Cole. "It was freezing in that stairwell and that child was abandoned to fend for itself."

The child was listed in good condition at North York General Hospital Thursday and, despite prolonged exposure, didn't suffer frostbite, officials said.

However, the infant had bumps and bruises on her body and blood on her face when found and police said they suspect she may have been abused before being dumped. There were also concerns the girl might have siblings also at risk, the Star said.

Surveillance video showed a man getting into a green Ford Escort about the time the child was dropped, which was broadcast on local television stations in a plea for public assistance.