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Newborn baby girl abandoned in east London park in freezing weather

Police appeal for mother to come forward amid fears for her health

Zamira Rahim
Friday 01 February 2019 09:14 GMT
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Officers are concerned about the child’s mother
Officers are concerned about the child’s mother (Met Police)

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Police officers are appealing for information after rescuing a newborn baby abandoned in a London park in freezing conditions.

Authorities fear the child’s mother “may be in need of urgent medical attention” after giving birth.

The infant was discovered in the park in Newham, east London, at around 10.15pm on Thursday, after the Metropolitan Police received reports about the abandoned baby.

Temperatures in the area had dipped to -1.1C at the time the baby girl was found.

Authorities have appealed directly to the child’s mother to come forward, amid concerns that the unknown woman requires medical care.

“We are growing increasingly concerned for your welfare and I urge you to make contact either with police, your local hospital or GP surgery,” Shane Clarke, an inspector with the Metropolitan Police, said.

“It is really important that we know that you are safe.”

Temperatures in London have plummeted this week after a cold snap brought snow and sleet to the capital.

The baby girl is being cared for at a hospital in east London and is in a stable condition.

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Anyone with information about the mother’s location is asked to call police on 101, quoting reference CAD7825/31JAN or tweet @MetCC.

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