Newham: Newborn baby found in shopping bag less than an hour old police say

A newborn baby girl found in a shopping bag in east London is thought to have been less than an hour old when she was found, the Met Police has said.

The baby girl who had been wrapped in a towel was found at the junction of Greenway and High Street South in Newham.

A dog walker discovered the baby at just before 9.15pm on Thursday January 18. Police said the baby, who has been named Elsa, was unharmed and is safe.

Officers are "extremely concerned" for the welfare of the girl's mother and appealed for her to get in touch.

Chief Superintendent Simon Crick, lead for policing in Newham said in a news conference on Friday afternoon that staff at the hospital she was taken to had given her a temporary name of Elsa and believes she is a black or mixed race child.

“We believe Elsa to have been less than an hour old when she was found. We do not yet know how long she had been there when she was found," he said.

"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.

“Trained medics and specialist officers are ready to support her and we urge her to get in touch by phone or walk in to the nearest hospital or police station.

"If you are the baby’s mother please know that your daughter is well, no matter what your circumstances please do seek help by dialling 999.”

If you believe you know who the child's mother is, please call 999 ref CAD 6876/18 Jan.