Newborn baby ‘Elsa’ found in shopping bag on UK street

The baby, who has been named Elsa, had been wrapped in a towel then left in a shopping bag on the street, The Sun reports

Thankfully, the quick-thinking walker kept the newborn warm until paramedics arrived and rushed her to hospital.

The police said she was not injured and is now in the care of hospital staff.

Police also confirmed the baby girl, believed to be black or mixed-race, was less than hour old when she was found – although it is not clear how long she was in the bag.

Officers have launched an urgent appeal to find the baby’s mum amid fears she could require medical treatment.

Chief Superintendent Simon Crick, who leads policing in Newham, said: “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.

“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.”

Police said the baby was found at the junction of Greenway and High Street South at around 9.13pm.

The discovery came as temperatures plummeted overnight to -4C in London overnight with weather warnings in place across the UK for snow and ice.

Anyone with information on who the baby’s mother may be can call 999 quoting ref CAD 6876/18 Jan.

This article originally appeared in The Sun and has been reproduced with permission.