Dog walker discovers newborn in London, police confirm connection to previous abandonments

Authorities in London report that a newborn found by a dog walker in freezing weather is the third child abandoned by the same parents.

According to PEOPLE, the Metropolitan Police made a statement on Tuesday, June 4, that a newborn, referred to as "Baby Elsa" by officials, was found in a shopping bag by someone in Newham, east London. This happened at 9:13 p.m. local time on Thursday, January 18, 2024.

Elsa is a biological sibling to two other babies who were also abandoned in the same area. Police disclosed that her brother, "Baby Harry," was found in a Newham park on Sunday, September 17, 2017. Another child, "Baby Roman," was left in a children's play park and found by dog walkers on Thursday, January 31, 2019.

DNA tests have confirmed that all three babies are siblings. The Metropolitan Police confirmed this on Tuesday, mentioning that forensic tests had confirmed the sibling relationship in April.

Officers carried out extensive inquiries after both older children were found. Despite their efforts, the parents were never identified. To find the parents and spread awareness, the police conducted multiple checks, reviewed extensive CCTV footage, and made timely media appeals.

According to Reuters and Sky News, when Baby Elsa was discovered, temperatures in London were around 26.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Police are looking to identify a woman wearing a large dark coat seen carrying a rucksack shortly before Elsa was discovered.

Detective Inspector Jamie Humm of the North East Command Unit, which covers Newham, commented on the case, telling PEOPLE "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."

Humm added that the police have worked continuously on all three cases to identify the parents but have not yet succeeded. He emphasized the importance of the children’s welfare and privacy, which remain paramount as the investigation continues.

Carol Atkinson, the most senior judge at the East London Family Court, commented on the rarity of such cases, saying, “Abandonment of a baby in this country is a very, very unusual event.” Per the BBC, she mentioned it is in the public's interest to report on the case.

It was also reported by the outlet, the older children had been adopted, while Baby Elsa remained in foster care. The East London Family Court had no additional information when contacted.

Authorities continue to investigate this case and consider the next steps in their efforts. The public and media attention aims to shed light on these incidents and possibly provide leads to identify the parents, ensuring the safety and well-being of the abandoned children.