information on a boy abandoned at one of its offices.

In one of the strangest cases ever to come to light, the boy, of whom very little is known, was dumped at an office in September last year.

The council has been caring for him ever since, but officials are growing increasingly concerned for his future.

The boy, who is believed to be 14-years-old was taken to the children with disabilities team office in East Dulwich by a man claiming to be his uncle.

He told social workers the boy's name was Kenny Ohia and that he and a partner were caring for him while his mother was in America.

He then left saying he needed something from his car, but never returned.

The next day a woman arrived with a note detailing Kenny's tastes in food and medication.

The note said he was a "good boy". She left the office before social workers could speak to her and nothing has been heard from anyone connected with Kenny since.

Southwark took the unique step of getting reporting restrictions lifted in the High Court so that an appeal for information could be made.

Director of social services, Chris Bull, said: "This case is unique in my 25 years of experience."

Kenny's social worker, Ed Kopecky, said his primary concern had been to find somewhere safe for him.

He said: "He was not fully aware of his surroundings and we played cars with him in a conference room to occupy him, but he became distressed, perhaps as he realised he would be staying in a strange environment."

Mr Kopecky said Kenny, whose foster placement broke down after just one night, was a lovely boy. He is now in a specialist unit outside London.

"He is full of life and his character really shines through.

"He loves music and games and has done very well at school. I believe that someone out there will be missing him a great deal," said Mr Kopecky.

It is thought he is Nigerian and understands Yoruba.

He has spoken of Nigeria's capital, Lagos, and of family, but nobody knows how long he has been in this country.

Mr Bull, who is charge of the appeal, said: "Kenny needs as much contact with his background and heritage as possible to help him with his sense of identity. We need as much information about him as possible so we can plan his future."

A special telephone hotline has been set up on 020 7525 4430.