In a heartrending development within the London Borough of Newham, DNA testing has confirmed a biological connection between three infants found abandoned in separate incidents over recent years. This discovery has intensified ongoing police investigations and community concern about the welfare of these children and the whereabouts of their mother.
Discovery and DNA Confirmation
The first of the three, whom authorities have named Baby Harry, was discovered in a park near Balaam Street on the morning of September 17, 2017. Baby Roman was found later, in January 2019, by dog walkers in a small play area on Roman Road. The most recent case, Baby Elsa, occurred in January 2024 when a passerby found a newborn in a shopping bag at the junction of Greenway and High Street South.
Following extensive DNA tests, it was established that all three children—Harry, Roman, and Elsa—are full siblings. This revelation has added a significant layer of complexity and urgency to the case.
Police and Community Response
Detective Inspector Jamie Humm from the North East Command Unit, overseeing the investigations in Newham, expressed the gravity of the situation:
“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.”
After each child was found, the Metropolitan Police launched immediate and extensive enquiries, including proactive media appeals, door-to-door canvassing, forensic analyses, and reviewing hours of CCTV footage. Despite these efforts, the mother or parents of the children remain unidentified.
Ongoing Efforts and Community Safety
The cases have seen cooperation across multiple agencies, including Newham Council, NHS services, and local charities, all working together to ensure the welfare of the children involved. Newham Council continues to monitor and care for the well-being of all three siblings, who are now under protective care.
DI Humm also highlighted the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigations:
“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.”
Call for Information
The police are still seeking a woman, described in a previous appeal as wearing a large dark coat with a light-colored scarf or hood and carrying a rucksack, who was seen shortly before Baby Elsa was discovered. She is believed to possibly hold crucial information about the incidents.
Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward and contact the police by calling 101 or reaching out via ‘X’ @MetCC. The community’s help is crucial in piecing together these events and ensuring the safety and security of the youngest among us.
The case continues to develop, with police and community leaders asking for vigilance and any information that may assist in resolving these deeply concerning incidents.
Source: Metropolitan Police
