Newborn Found in Shopping Bag in East London Sparks Urgent Search for Mother
A newborn baby girl was found in a shopping bag on a street in East London, near the junction of Greenway and High Street South in Newham on Thursday night.
The Metropolitan Police, responding to a call from a dog walker at around 9:13 pm, discovered the baby wrapped in a towel inside the bag. Despite sub-zero temperatures, the infant was unharmed, thanks to the swift actions of the person who found her.
Chief Superintendent Simon Crick praised the dog walker, saying, "Thinking fast, that person kept the baby girl warm until London Ambulance Service paramedics arrived and checked her over before taking her to hospital."
The baby is reported to be safe and well in the care of hospital staff. However, the police have expressed deep concern for the welfare of the mother, urging her to seek immediate medical attention. Chief Superintendent Crick stated, "We are extremely concerned for her welfare as she will have been through a traumatic ordeal and will be in need of immediate medical attention following the birth."
Trained medics and specialist officers are prepared to support the mother, and authorities encourage her to contact the nearest hospital, police station, or dial 999. The police are also requesting information from the public, asking anyone who may know the mother to come forward.
This incident is the latest in a series of newborns found in Newham in recent years, with a girl being found in 2019 and a boy in 2020. Despite the circumstances, Chief Superintendent Crick reassures the mother, saying, "Please know that your daughter is well, and no matter your circumstances please do seek help by dialling 999."
Anyone who believes they may know who the child's mother is, please call 999 ref CAD 6876/18 Jan.
