DNA testing confirms Baby Elsa is related to two other babies found abandoned in Newham

DNA testing has confirmed that a baby found abandoned in Newham in January 2024 is biologically related to two other babies found abandoned in the local area.

Baby Harry was found abandoned in a park area close to Balaam Street, Newham, at about 08:20hrs on Sunday, 17 September 2017.

Baby Roman was found abandoned by dog walkers in a small children's play park on Roman Road, near the junction with Saxon Road, at approximately 22:15hrs on Thursday, 31 January 2019.

Following DNA testing it was later established that they were siblings.

Officers issued proactive media appeals and carried out extensive door to door, witness appeal, forensic and CCTV enquiries after both children were found.

They also worked closely with partner agencies including Newham Council, the NHS, and local charities, but despite their efforts their mother, or parents, were never identified.

Baby Elsa was found by a member of the public out walking their dog, who had discovered a newborn baby in a shopping bag at the junction of Greenway and High Street South, E6, at 21:13hrs on Thursday, 18 January.

Police again issued a timely media appeal and conducted a wealth of checks, reviewing many hours of CCTV and speaking to media from the scene where Elsa was found to raise awareness.

A week later another appeal was issued to identify a woman seen wearing a large dark coat with a light coloured scarf or hood around her neck and had a rucksack on her back, shortly before Elsa was found.

It is still believed she could hold important information about how Elsa came to be where she was found.

Following DNA enquiries it was established in April that Elsa is a full sibling of the two other babies found abandoned.

Colleagues at Newham Council continue to ensure all of their welfare.

Detective Inspector Jamie Humm from the North East Command Unit which covers Newham said: "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.

"We have worked 24/7 in each of these three cases to identify the parents, so far without success.

"We have also had to be mindful of the sensitivities that exist now all of the children are being cared for. Their welfare, including their privacy, is paramount.

"We continue to investigate, and will consider the next steps in our investigation."

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or 'X' @MetCC.