In a deeply concerning series of events, three newborn babies have been abandoned in East London over the past few years. The latest case involves a baby girl named Elsa, who was discovered in freezing temperatures on January 18, 2024.

She was found wrapped in a towel inside a reusable shopping bag near the junction of Greenway and High Street South in East Ham. At the time of discovery, Elsa was believed to be less than an hour old.

This tragic case has now taken a new turn, as investigators have revealed that Elsa has two older siblings who were also abandoned in similar circumstances. DNA testing confirmed the connection, making this an extremely rare and alarming situation.

A Pattern of Abandonment

Elsa is the third baby found in the same area over the past six years. The first case dates back to September 2017, when a newborn boy—later named Harry—was found wrapped in a white blanket on Balaam Street, Plaistow. Two years later, in January 2019, another baby boy, Roman, was discovered in a play area off Roman Road, Newham, during a period of extreme cold and snowfall.

Unlike Elsa, who is still in foster care, both Harry and Roman have since been adopted and are reportedly doing well. Authorities believe that the same parents may be involved in all three cases, and their identity remains a mystery despite an extensive police investigation.

The Search for Answers

The Metropolitan Police has been working tirelessly to find out who Elsa’s parents are. As part of their investigation, officers have reviewed over 450 hours of CCTV footage and have even established a full DNA profile of the mother. However, this has not yet led to an identification.

Detectives suspect that the parents may have been living in or around the Plaistow and East Ham area for at least six years. In an effort to encourage people to come forward with information, Crimestoppers has offered a £20,000 reward for any tip that leads to the identification of the parents.

Detective Inspector Jamie Humm, who is leading the investigation, has expressed serious concerns about the well-being of the mother, particularly given the repeated nature of these abandonments. He urged anyone who may have knowledge of the situation to provide information, emphasizing that the mother could be in need of urgent help.

A Rare and Disturbing Case

Judge Carol Atkinson of the East London Family Court highlighted how uncommon it is for a baby to be abandoned in the UK. She described it as “astonishing” that Elsa is developing well and recently took her first steps. Social workers have been closely monitoring her progress, and reports suggest that she is meeting all her developmental milestones.

However, the ongoing investigation has also led to complications regarding Elsa’s future care. Since her birth has not yet been officially registered due to the unknown identity of her parents, the process of adoption remains on hold. Authorities are determined to resolve the case as soon as possible to ensure Elsa receives permanent care in a loving home.

Authorities Appeal for Public Assistance

The police and child welfare authorities are urging members of the public to come forward with any relevant information. In particular, they are reaching out to professionals in healthcare, education, and social services who may have interacted with the mother.

Their primary concern is ensuring the mother’s safety and well-being. If she is found, she will be provided with any necessary support, including medical and psychological assistance.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Metropolitan Police on 101, referencing Operation Wolcott. Alternatively, they can reach out to Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111 or through their website. The £20,000 reward is only available for tips submitted directly to Crimestoppers, and those providing information online must request a reward code.

This heartbreaking case has captured public attention, and authorities remain hopeful that someone will come forward to help solve the mystery.