- DNA Connection: Abandoned baby Elsa linked to siblings
- Uncommon Occurrence: Rare case of child abandonment
- Appeal for Information: Police seek parents’ identification
The connection was established after DNA testing on the neonate, which was discovered in sub-zero temperatures in Newham, east London, in January.
It has been disclosed that a newborn infant who was abandoned in a shopping bag has two siblings who were also discovered in similar circumstances.
DNA testing on the neonate, who was discovered in sub-zero temperatures by a dogwalker in east London earlier this year, has revealed the connection.
The results confirmed that the baby girl, named Elsa by hospital staff, is related to a boy and a girl who were also abandoned in the exact location in 2017 and 2019, respectively.
The police have not yet determined the identities of their parents, and investigations are currently underway.
It was believed that Baby Elsa was less than an hour old when she was discovered in Newham after a passerby heard her whimper.
Near the intersection of High Street South and the Greenway footpath, the dogwalker discovered her inside a reusable shopping bag, draped in a towel, at approximately 9:15 p.m. on January 18.
They then maintained the child’s warmth by enveloping her in blankets until paramedics arrived. Subsequently, they were commended by the police for their assistance in saving the child’s life.
The baby was subsequently reported to be “safe and well” by the officers.
A court previously heard that the investigation into Elsa’s birth is ongoing, and as a result, her birth cannot be registered at this time, and no definitive decision regarding her care can be made.
Following an application by members of the media, a judge at East London Family Court has now ruled that reporting restrictions could be altered to permit the publication of the link between the three children.
In late January 2019, Roman, Elsa’s sister, was discovered in a play area off Roman Road in Newham, in similar circumstances, despite the frigid temperatures.
In September 2017, her sibling, Harry, was discovered in Balaam Street, Plaistow, wrapped in a blanket.
Harry and Roman, who were not given their actual names, have since been adopted.
The three children, who are black, are permitted to disclose only specific information.
An extremely uncommon occurrence
According to the PA news agency, Judge Carol Atkinson concluded that the restrictions should be abolished in order to promote “openness of justice” on Monday.
The judge further stated, “There is a clear public interest in reporting this story.”
“In this country, the abandonment of a baby is an extremely uncommon occurrence, and there are years in which no children are abandoned. Consequently, the narrative of a child’s abandonment is of public interest.”
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For the same reason, it is of immense interest and significance in our current society that individuals are aware that two parents have felt compelled to relinquish their children in this manner on three separate occasions. This is of considerable interest to me.
It is anticipated that a subsequent hearing will be conducted in the case of infant Elsa.
The Metropolitan Police is urging anyone who has information that could assist in identifying the parents to reach out.
