Abandoned baby Elsa found in Newham is third newborn deserted by same parents

DNA testing has confirmed that ‘baby Elsa’ found abandoned in Newham in January 2024 is biologically related to two other babies found abandoned in 2017 and 2019.

Baby Elsa was discovered by a dog walker wrapped in a towel in a shopping bag in sub-zero temperatures at the junction of Greenway and High Street South on January 18.

Get the day’s biggest stories, straight to your inbox, with London World’s free email newsletters

The other two babies, Harry and Roman, were also found abandoned in the same area.

Baby Harry was found abandoned in a park area close to Balaam Street, Newham on September 17 2017.

Baby Roman was found abandoned by dog walkers in a small children's play park on Roman Road, near the junction with Saxon Road on January 31 2019.

Following DNA enquiries it was established in April that Elsa is a full sibling of the two other babies found abandoned.

Colleagues at Newham Council continue to ensure all of their welfare.

Detective Inspector Jamie Humm from the North East Command Unit which covers Newham said: "We understand the significant public interest that will come following the lifting of restrictions that allow this information to be reported. It is significant news and our work has focused on trying to locate the mother and provide support to her.

"We have worked 24/7 in each of these three cases to identify the parents, so far without success.

"We have also had to be mindful of the sensitivities that exist now all of the children are being cared for. Their welfare, including their privacy, is paramount.

"We continue to investigate, and will consider the next steps in our investigation."

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or 'X' @MetCC.