A BABY born in a Southampton hospital was today at the centre of an Internet "rent-a-womb" scam.

The three-week-old girl is said to have been promised to three couples who had set up an agreement with the baby's mother via an American surrogacy website.

All the couples, including one from Hampshire, thought Moira Greenslade was carrying their baby and had forked out thousands of pounds to fulfil their dream of having a child.

But suspicion was raised when the 33-year-old failed to turn up for a hospital appointment near her Yorkshire home, and social services bosses put out a warning to other maternity hospitals across the country.

Eagle-eyed staff at Southampton's Princess Anne maternity hospital spotted Greenslade when she arrived to give birth on December 11.

Arrangements were made for the baby to be taken into care, and Greenslade has since been questioned by police about the alleged scam.

Today a spokesman for Princess Anne maternity hospital confirmed: "There had been a nationwide alert put out by a council in the north of England after she did not turn up to a hospital there to have her baby.

"It became apparent to us that this lady had done deals with a couple in Wales, a couple in Scotland and a couple near Southampton to act as a surrogate. All believed she was carrying their baby."

The newborn baby, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, has been placed in the care of social services staff in Southampton.

A police inquiry swung into action and single parent Greenslade, who advertised her services on the American website Surrogate Mothers Online, was arrested and questioned.

The investigation by officers from North Yorkshire police's child protection unit is continuing. A police spokesman said: "A 33-year-old woman was arrested in Southampton on December 11 and has been questioned in connection with offences under the Adoption Act. She has been bailed pending further inquiries.

"The baby was taken into the care of social services in Southampton."

Social services chiefs in both Hampshire and Bradford have so far refused to comment on the case.

Today a Hampshire County Council spokesman said: "Because the matter is now being handled by another local authority, it is inappropriate for us to make any further comment."

Greenslade, of Keighley, West Yorkshire, is believed to have set up agreements with the three couples after advertising her services on-line early last year.

Although paying for a surrogate pregnancy is illegal in Britain, up to £10,000 can be paid in expenses.

Greenslade is believed to have exploited a loophole in the law by using an American website - making her subject to US law, which permits payment for surrogacy or adoption.