Police in Britain are trying to trace the family of a boy about 4-year-old who was found alone and barefoot in a Birmingham street.

The child was discovered by a member of the public in the in Sparkbrook area who alerted officers just before 10pm on Thursday.

They went to the scene and took him to a police station. He is now being looked after by social services.

The child is believed to be Somalian, but has so far been unable to give officers his name or any other details.

He is black, has short black afro hair, and is wore a yellow t-shirt and navy tracksuit bottoms. Police have carried out local enquiries but his family has not been located.

Acting Inspector Amer Shams, from Birmingham East Police, said "This is obviously very unusual and worrying. We urgently appeal for the parents, or anyone who believes they may know the family of this little boy to contact us".

"Thankfully he did not come to any harm and he is being well looked after. We need to try and get him back to where he should be. We thank the members of the public who asked quickly and responsibly in contacting us after finding the child in the street last night".Â