Halifax Regional Police say a search is underway in the Clayton Park area of Halifax for a missing newborn, and four people are in custody undergoing questioning related to the matter.

In a statement issued Saturday around 4:30 p.m. AT, police said they were notified Friday night of a woman in hospital in life-threatening condition who appeared to have just given birth. Police didn't elaborate on the woman's medical condition.

A police spokesperson told CBC News that the baby was never at the hospital with the mother.

A press release issued by police originally stated the search was happening on Willett Street, but the search had moved to other areas of the neighbourhood by 5 p.m. Saturday.

Police are asking people to stay away from the area while the search is underway. They say Nova Scotia Ground Search and Rescue is assisting.

The search includes wooded areas in Clayton Park. (Eric Wiseman/CBC)

Police are asking residents to search their own properties and report anything suspicious.

"It would be a fairly significant number of people, police and ground search and rescue, that are on scene right now," said police spokesperson Marla MacInnis. "At the moment, it's all hands on deck."

She said police have been searching night and day to locate the baby.

Police say no charges have been laid against the individuals in custody and the individuals are known to the mother.

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