Visitors to Gumtree were stunned to read the shocking listing, which read: “baby, beautiful for sale deposit through pay pal email only” with a £150,000 price tag.

A later update said the boy “comes with everything included deposit needed as sick of time wasters”.

The mother, 20, who previously split from her children’s father, said she told police she was “depressed” and insisted social services knew she would never harm her children

Police said no criminal charges were expected to be brought against the woman, as the matter had been passed to social services.

Detective Inspector Vanessa Smith, of Bradford District Police, told the Bradford Telegraph and Argus: “We are aware of this matter and the child concerned, who is both fit and well, is now being looked after in conjunction with relatives and social services.”

Bradford Council’s assistant director of children’s specialist services, Julie Jenkins, said the local authority had “worked closely” with police ensure the boy and his family received proper care and support.

Gumtree has previously stated that items barred from being sold under UK law should not be offered or sold on the site. The offending advert was removed on the same day it was posted.