The newborn baby girl found in a shopping bag by a dog walker in east London was less than an hour old, the Metropolitan police have said.
The baby, believed to be black or of mixed race, was found wrapped in blankets at the junction of Greenway and High Street South, Newham.
Police want the baby’s mother to know her daughter is well and safe, and have asked her to get in touch with them. Hospital staff, he said, have named her Elsa.
“Our thoughts now turn to the baby’s mother; 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,” said Ch Supt Simon Crick, who leads policing in Newham. “Trained medics and specialist officers are ready to support her.”
Crick added: “If you are the baby’s mother please know that your daughter is well and no matter what your circumstances please do seek help by walking into the nearest hospital or police station, or dialling 999.”
The member of the public probably saved the baby’s life in sub-zero temperatures, Crick said, after hearing a cry from inside the bag. They then rang the police and kept the child warm until London ambulance service paramedics and officers arrived. The baby was checked over at the scene then taken to hospital.
“I am delighted to report that the baby wasn’t injured in any way and is safe and well in the care of hospital staff,” said Crick, who is in contact with local hospitals and the local authority.
There is no footage of the busy junction and police do not know how long the baby was there before being discovered.
They have advised anyone who saw anything suspicious at about 9.15pm near the junction on Thursday night or who believes they know who the child’s mother is to call 999.
