Baby, named Elsa by hospital staff, found by dog walker; Police confirm child was “Less than one hour old”

A newborn baby girl, named Elsa by hospital staff, was discovered abandoned in a plastic bag in Beckton, east London, by a dog walker. The police have confirmed that the infant was “less than one hour old” when found.

The baby was found wrapped in a towel inside the shopping bag just after 9 pm on Thursday as temperatures dipped below subzero. The member of the public who found the baby acted swiftly to keep her warm and alerted the authorities. Chief Superintendent Simon Crick, local policing commander for north-east London, stated at a press conference in Newham that the baby was unharmed, and the quick actions of the person likely saved the child’s life.

Speaking about the discovery, Chief Superintendent Crick said, “Last night we were called 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. 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.”

The baby is currently being cared for in the hospital, and the police have given her a temporary name of Elsa. Chief Superintendent Crick expressed concern for the mother’s welfare and urged her to come forward. He stated, “We are extremely concerned for her welfare as she would 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 the mother, and Chief Superintendent Crick appealed for her to contact the authorities. He reassured the mother, saying, “If you are the baby’s mother, please know that your daughter is well. No matter what your circumstances, please do seek help.”

Local resident Tania Iurac, 25, described the scene: “My friend came home from work at around 11 pm and she told me a lot of police officers were outside with a dog, and the area was closed.” Iurac expressed shock and concern, noting that she did not know the identity of the mother.

The police are actively investigating the incident and are seeking any information that could help locate the baby’s mother.