The body of a newborn was found abandoned in a bag outside a church in west London earlier today.
An urgent search has been launched to try and find the baby’s mother, who is believed to have only given birth recently.
The infant was declared dead at the scene on Talbot Road in Notting Hill shortly before 1pm.
Officers and paramedics had gone there responding to a report that the body of a baby had been found in a bag outside a church.
Officers remain in the area and inquiries are ongoing to locate the baby’s mother, the force confirmed.
Some are guarding a taped cordon which blocks access to All Saints’ Church on Clydesdale Road from Colville Gardens, Powys Square and Clydesdale Road.
A blue police tent is up at the scene and two forensic officers were seen walking towards it.
Scotland Yard said the baby’s gender and exact age have not yet been established.
Superintendent Owen Renowden said: ‘This is an extremely sad and shocking matter and officers are working hard to establish the circumstances around what has taken place.
‘This investigation is in the early stages and our immediate priority is to locate the baby’s mother, who we believe may have very recently given birth.
‘If you are the baby’s mother and are reading this, please come forward to police or medical professionals.
‘You must feel very frightened but please let us help – we are really worried about you and it is vitally important you get medical assistance and support.
‘You can walk into any hospital, or a police station.’
Anyone who may have any information about this incident should contact police on 101, quoting reference CAD 3431/25March.
