An investigation has been launched after a newborn baby girl was found in a shopping bag, heartlessly dumped on a city street.
A horrifying investigation has been launched after a baby was found dumped in a bag on a London street.
The baby girl was found by a dogwalker who made the discovery last night in Beckton, East London.
The child was found wrapped up in a towel and bundled into a shopping bag, where she was later found by the terrified walker at around 9pm on Thursday night.
Astonishingly, and thanks to the walker’s quick-thinking, the newborn baby survived.
The walker’s quick-thinking saw them immediately warm the child up and raise the alarm with the authorities. The member of the public’s actions likely saved the child’s life, police said. She was subsequently rushed to hospital.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the girl was not injured and was in the case of hospital staff.
Following the discovery, Chief Superintendent Simon Crick, who leads policing in Newham, launched an appeal for more information in order to find the baby’s mother.
He also commended the member of the public who saved the girl, who was described as being safe and well.
London Ambulance Service also checked in on the girl.
Ch supt Crick said that the baby was found in a shopping bag “at the junction of Greenway and High Street South, E6”.
He continued: “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 delighted to report that she wasn’t injured in any way and is safe and well in the care of hospital staff.
“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. 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.”
The officer added: “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.”
According to the Met Office, temperatures in the capital last night and this morning reached chilling lows of -6C.
Sadly, this is not the first time a similar situation has been experienced as five years ago another newborn baby was found abandoned in a children’s park on one of the coldest nights of the year.
According to the MIrror, the baby on that occasion was also found in Newham by a dog walker and was “just 30 minutes old”.