The search for the parents of three babies abandoned over seven years in separate locations across East London has intensified, with police going door-to-door at hundreds of homes in hopes of finding answers.

As reported by People, authorities now believe that Baby Elsa, found this January, is biologically connected to two previously abandoned infants, prompting a sweeping investigation focused on identifying the children's mother and offering her support.

On January 18, a dog walker in East London discovered a newborn girl wrapped in a towel and placed in a shopping bag left in a Newham park. Authorities later named her Baby Elsa. The infant was swiftly taken to a hospital, where she received treatment and was placed in the care of social services.

Following Elsa’s discovery, police conducted DNA testing, which revealed startling results: Baby Elsa was biologically related to two other children found under similar circumstances in previous years. The first baby was found in 2017, a boy left in Palistow Park in a bush wrapped in a towel. He had been named Harry. Two years later, in 2019, a newborn girl was located around 10:15 p.m. by another dog walker on a bench in a children’s park along Roman Road. She, like the others, was wrapped in a towel and placed in a shopping bag. She was temporarily named Roman.

Investigators believe the same mother is involved

This recent DNA confirmation linking the three cases has shifted the focus of the Metropolitan Police’s investigation. Officials now believe the same woman gave birth to all three children and intentionally left them in public places shortly after delivery. The reason behind the separations remains unknown, but concerns have grown about the mother’s well-being and mental health status.

Detective Inspector Jamie Humm, who is leading the investigation, told Sky News that he strongly suspects the mother is in a difficult emotional state and may not feel safe reaching out. “What I believe is most likely is that the mother of these children is vulnerable, is in danger, and is in a position where they feel that they are unable to come forward for whatever reason," Humm said.

He emphasized that police are prepared to assist the mother without pressing criminal charges, stating that they are treating her as a victim rather than a suspect. “We are on standby to support her with everything she needs,” he added.

Police expand efforts to locate the family

In their effort to identify the children’s parents or other family members, investigators have launched a wide-reaching search throughout East London. Officers are canvassing a region that spans around 400 homes, knocking on doors and asking residents to voluntarily take DNA tests to determine if there is any genetic connection to the three children.

This localized outreach targets areas close to where Baby Harry and Baby Roman were found in 2017 and 2019, respectively. Meanwhile, the police have reviewed hundreds of hours of CCTV footage, hoping to spot suspicious activity near the locations where the infants were left.

The intense operation follows multiple earlier public appeals and a £20,000 reward offered earlier this year for any information about the babies’ identities. So far, there have been no confirmed leads as to the identity of the mother or father. The Metropolitan Police also used social media, including a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), to implore the public for help, reaffirming their commitment to solving the case.

Concerns grow that there may be a fourth child

Detective Humm expressed fears that there may be a fourth child involved. He noted a concerning pattern in the years the babies were discovered: roughly two-year intervals between incidents. “We can’t be blind to the fact that there may be a fourth [baby],” he said. “The passage of time and the cycles of nine months it would take to potentially get pregnant and birth a child, mean that we cannot discount that.”

This looming possibility has further heightened the sense of urgency among investigators. The safety and whereabouts of another potential sibling remain unknown, intensifying the appeal to the mother to step forward. Police continue to assure them that compassionate care, not punishment, awaits her.

As concern for the mother’s mental well-being remains central to the inquiry, officers reiterate their readiness to provide help rather than consequences. Detective Humm stated his belief that the woman may fear judgment or inability to access support systems, leaving her isolated from possible assistance.

Lessons to Learn from This Tragedy

1. Crimes involving vulnerable individuals require compassion-first investigations. This case shows how careful handling—viewing the mother as a possible victim, not a suspect—can foster an environment where someone in crisis might feel safer coming forward.

2. Community engagement is key to solving complex cases. Police are relying deeply on the public's assistance—whether through submitting DNA, providing CCTV footage, or responding to door-to-door inquiries. Without community cooperation, these cases can remain unsolved.

3. There must be more awareness about and access to emergency support for struggling parents. Had the mother felt she had support, these children might not have been left alone.

Still, it's vital to remember that no amount of preparation or caution prevents all tragedy, and the blame should never fall on the vulnerable or victims.

Why This Story Matters

This case touches the heart of issues surrounding mental health, parental support, and child protection. It underscores how gaps in social safety nets can have devastating consequences and reinforces the importance of proactive, compassionate law enforcement in sensitive situations.

It also serves as a call to action for communities to pay attention to signs of distress in neighbors and friends, helping those at risk before desperate actions are taken. The fate of these children and their mother will have a lasting impact not just on them but on everyone watching this story unfold.

Conclusion

Three infants, abandoned across different years and places in East London, were recently revealed to be biological siblings. The mystery has prompted authorities to escalate their search for the parents, especially the mother, who is believed to be in significant distress. With support rather than prosecution as the goal, police have expanded canvassing efforts to 400 nearby homes, released statements on social media, offered a £20,000 reward, and scoured surveillance footage.

DNA testing has linked the children, suggesting a consistent pattern and raising fears of a possible fourth abandoned baby. Authorities remain committed to protecting all those involved and are urging public cooperation to bring answers—and support—to those in need.