The mother of the baby who was abandoned in Bugibba has been identified by police and was reunited with her son on Sunday afternoon.

When the woman, aged 22, was approached by police, she admitted to having left the child. She was later taken to hospital to see her son and was being kept at Mater Dei for treatment.

The mother was "in tears" when she held her son, sources said.

The boy, who has been named Cristiano (for Cristiano Ronaldo) by inquiring magistrate Joe Mifsud, was found in good health on a doorstep in Pijunieri Street, Bugibba, on Friday.

He was taken to hospital where he is being kept under observation. He is expected to be taken under the care of the Ursuline Sisters in the coming days.

In a statement, the Family Ministry said that Appogg Agency professionals are taking over the responsibility of the baby. 

Magistrate Mifsud has informed the agency that it can start procedures for the baby to be placed under a care order.

Social workers from the agency have already visited the baby at the hospital and have made sure that he has all the necessary assistance in this delicate situation.