Abandoned baby Elsa is third newborn deserted by same parents

Third newborn abandoned by same parents, baby Elsa left in tragic circumstance, highlighting a heartbreaking pattern of neglect

Third Abandoned Baby in East London Linked to Previous Cases, Highlighting Rare Occurrence

 

London, UK — In a distressing revelation, it has come to light that the newborn baby discovered earlier this year in Newham, east London, is the third child abandoned by the same parents, as reported by the BBC. The infant, named "Baby Elsa," has been confirmed through DNA tests to be the sibling of two previous babies found under similar circumstances in 2017 and 2019.

 

Despite extensive appeals by the Metropolitan Police, the identity of the parents remains unknown. The court granted special permission to disclose the sibling link and revealed that all three children are of black ethnicity.

 

Judge Carol Atkinson emphasized the significant public interest in the case, noting the rarity of newborn abandonment in modern Britain. Expert testimony presented in court provided compelling genetic evidence supporting Baby Elsa's status as a full sibling of the other two infants.

 

Baby Elsa, discovered in January by a dog-walker in sub-zero temperatures, was found wrapped in a towel inside a bag. Remarkably, despite the harsh conditions, she exhibited signs of vitality and was responsive upon discovery. Doctors estimated her age to be just hours old, with her umbilical cord still attached. While her siblings, named Harry and Roman, were adopted, Baby Elsa remains in foster care and is reportedly thriving.

 

Plans are underway for the siblings, now renamed, to have contact with each other as they grow up, ensuring they are aware of their familial connection. However, the reporting of this link was not endorsed by local authorities or England's Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), citing concerns about promoting further instances of newborn abandonment.

 

The Metropolitan Police expressed reluctance to publicize the sibling connection, fearing it might inadvertently encourage similar acts of abandonment. However, Judge Atkinson underscored the importance of transparency and open justice, asserting that the public awareness generated by such reporting could aid authorities in locating the children's parents.

 

The rarity of newborn abandonment in England and Wales underscores the gravity of this situation. While official statistics show minimal cases, academic research suggests a higher prevalence, with approximately 16 incidents per year between 1998 and 2005.

 

As efforts continue to locate the parents of these abandoned infants, the case serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by newborns and the imperative of community support and intervention in safeguarding their welfare.