Police make 'urgent' appeal after body of newborn baby found inside bag abandoned outside church

25 March 2025, 16:53 | Updated: 25 March 2025, 19:14

Police are appealing for a mum to come forward after a newborn baby was found dead inside a bag left outside a church in Notting Hill, west London.

Officers were called at 12:46 on Tuesday to Talbot Road following a report that the body of a baby had been found outside All Saints' Church.

The child was unfortunately declared dead at the scene.

Officers remain in the area and urgent enquiries are ongoing to locate the baby’s mother.

"At this stage we have not established the baby’s gender or exact age," the Met added.

A blue police tent is up at the scene and two forensic officers were seen walking towards it.

Police officers are guarding a taped cordon which blocks access to All Saints' Church on Clydesdale Road from Colville Gardens, Powys Square and Clydesdale Road.

'Extremely sad and shocking'

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.

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“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.”