A woman in her 30s has been arrested after the body of a newborn baby was discovered in a bag outside All Saints’ Church in Notting Hill, west London.
The baby was found by a council worker last Tuesday inside a Marks & Spencer bag near the church. The Metropolitan Police launched an investigation, leading to the safe location of the woman on Saturday. She was then arrested on suspicion of concealing a birth, neglect, and infanticide.
Medical Care and Investigation
Following her arrest, the woman was immediately taken to a nearby hospital to ensure she received the necessary medical care. She remains in hospital at this time, and the investigation is ongoing.
A post-mortem examination is scheduled to take place later this week to determine the cause of the baby’s death. Detectives remain open-minded about the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Police Statement
Superintendent Owen Renowden, who oversees policing for Kensington and Chelsea, said:
“This is an ongoing, fast-paced investigation, with officers working tirelessly to ascertain the circumstances of the baby boy’s death.
We believe that the woman is the baby’s mother, and I am reassured that she is receiving the support she needs while officers continue their work to understand what took place.
Community Impact
The discovery of the baby’s body has deeply affected the local community, and floral tributes have been laid outside the church. Superintendent Renowden acknowledged the community’s concerns and emphasized that the welfare of all involved remains a priority.
We recognize that the news of this arrest may cause concern among our community, but when dealing with investigations of this nature, our priority is to ensure the welfare of all involved and ensure that all lines of enquiry are fully explored,” he added.
Appeal for Information
Police are urging anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward. Residents are encouraged to share any details that may help officers understand the circumstances leading up to the tragic discovery.
The investigation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
