A baby girl abandoned in a plastic bag in Newham, east London, in January 2024 is set to be adopted after police exhausted all efforts to find her parents
Baby Girl Abandoned in Freezing Temperatures Set for Adoption
A baby girl found abandoned in a plastic bag during freezing temperatures is set to be adopted. Elsa, named by hospital staff, was discovered by a dog walker in Newham in January 2024.
No sign of her parents has been found. Detectives later discovered that she has two siblings who were also abandoned in the area.
Harry, now eight years old, and Roman, six, were found in 2017 and 2019, respectively. Elsa has been cared for by foster carers while her two older siblings have been adopted.
Judge Rules on Elsa’s Future
Judge Carol Atkinson has ruled that Elsa will remain with her foster carers, who will eventually adopt her. She stated, “Elsa is a beautiful little girl, a raucous bundle of excitement and laughter. I am pleased to have seen photos of her. I know from reports that she lights up the space around her.”
She added, “She is happy and settled in her new family, as yet unaware of how she differs from other children. Her best chance in life comes with a permanent placement in an alternative family. These siblings share something quite extraordinary.”
Police Investigation Update
Police have conducted extensive inquiries, including going door-to-door in the area, but have not found the parents. The Metropolitan Police stated they have “exhausted” all inquiries and have dropped the search.
They established a full DNA profile and reviewed hours of CCTV footage, narrowing the search to 400 homes. Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford said, “This remains one of the most unique investigations we have worked on.”
Ongoing Efforts to Find Biological Parents
He noted that the investigation team has spoken with hundreds of people and traveled across the country to contact possible relatives. “This familial DNA work has been complex,” he said. “At this stage, this latest phase of inquiries has not resulted in us identifying the biological parents of the three children.”
Basford expressed disappointment but emphasized the team’s dedication to safeguarding children and ensuring the welfare of the mother. “This remains our priority,” he said. “We will continue to review all information and intelligence to see if a new phase of the investigation can be launched.”
He urged anyone with information to contact the police.
| Child Name | Age | Found Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elsa | Not specified | 2024 | Set for adoption |
| Harry | 8 | 2017 | Adopted |
| Roman | 6 | 2019 | Adopted |
