Appeal for a nappy new year – help find abandoned baby’s mother

Police have made an end of year plea to trace the mother of  a baby found abandoned in Plaistow.

It is now more than three months since the baby boy – named Harry by the medical staff who initially cared for him – was found in a park area close to Balaam Street, Plaistow.

At about 8.20am on Sunday,  September 17  officers and the London Ambulance Service were called to to the park after they received a call alerting them to the fact that the baby had been found abandoned.

Harry was found carefully wrapped in a white blanket and was taken to an east London hospital – he is now being cared for by Newham Council.

Detectives from the Met Police Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command are investigating and enquiries are continuing to identify Harry’s mother and ensure she is safe and well.

In a renewed appeal, officers have released a new image of Harry, and a short video clip.

Detective Inspector Debbie McCormack, who leads the investigation, said: “It has now been three months since Harry was found. In that time we have been in constant contact with hospitals throughout London to see if Harry’s mother has sought medical attention but we have yet to identify her. We are growing increasingly concerned for her welfare.

“I would reiterate our appeal to Harry’s mum – please come forward and let us know you are safe and if you need care and support, we can help you access this.

“As you can see from the images, little Harry is doing well but we would urge anyone else with information, or who saw anything out of the ordinary in the Balaam Street area on that morning, to please come forward.”

Anyone who can help is asked to call police on (020) 8217 6538 or via 101 or Tweet @MetCC.

+ You can view a video of Harry here: