19 January 2024 , 10:23
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A newborn baby girl was found abandoned in a shopping bag by a dog walker as temperatures dipped below subzero, as police launch a desperate search for the child's mother.
The tot was found wrapped in a towel in a bag in Beckton, east London, by the member of the public just after 9pm on Thursday, who quickly acted to keep the youngster warm, as they alerted authorities. Police have said the infant was unharmed and the member of public likely helped saved the child's life.
Chief superintendent Simon Crick, who is leading the investigation, said cops are "extremely concerned" for the mum's welfare and said members of the public saved the baby's life after she was found at the junction of Greenway and High Street South.
Local residents Andreea Maria Plic and Tania Lurac describe where they saw a blanket at the scene where a baby girl (Daily Mirror, Daily Express, Daily Star)He added: "Thinking fast, that person kept the baby girl warm until London Ambulance Service paramedics arrived and checked her over before taking her to hospital. I am grateful to the members of the public who stayed at the scene to speak with officers and medics – your actions contributed to saving the baby’s life."
Baby boy has spent his life in hospital as doctors are 'scared' to discharge him
London Ambulance Service checked the baby and she was taken to hospital. Police say the newborn "wasn’t injured in any way and is safe and well in the care of hospital staff."
Cops are now urgently searching for the child's mum who will need immediate medical help following the birth. They are concerned for the mum's welfare and are urging her to come forward or seek medical help as soon as possible.
Restaurant manager Tania Iurac, 25, who lives nearby, said: "My friend came home from work at around 11pm and she told me a lot of police officers were outside with a dog and the area was closed. I was worried. We went outside and asked the police for more information.
"I saw a white towel on the floor. It was clothing. It did not have blood on it or anything. The baby was not in there. There was... I would say six to eight police officers around. There were a lot of people asking questions. I am just shocked." She said she did not know the identity of the mother.
Scene where a baby girl was found earlier at the junction of Greenway and High Street South in East London (Daily Mirror, Daily Express, Daily Star)Ch supt Crick added: "Our thoughts now turn to the baby 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.”
The baby was found as temperatures plummeted to -2C in London overnight with snow and ice warnings in place across the UK.
If you believe you know who the child's mum is, please call 999 ref CAD 6876/18 Jan.