A heartbreaking discovery was made in west London this afternoon after the body of a newborn baby was found in a bag next to a bin outside a church in Notting Hill. Police have launched an urgent investigation and are appealing for the baby’s mother to come forward, warning she may be in urgent need of medical attention.

Emergency services were called at approximately 12:46pm after a RBKC  street cleaner reportedly discovered the bag while sweeping leaves near All Saints’ Church on Talbot Road, W11. The worker is understood to have picked up the bag, found near a bin, and realised it was unusually heavy before making the grim discovery.

Paramedics from the London Ambulance Service responded, but tragically, the infant was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that officers remain at the scene, where a blue forensic tent has been erected and a wide cordon has been placed around the church, blocking access from Clydesdale Road, Colville Gardens, and Powys Square. Forensic teams are working to establish the circumstances of the incident.

At this stage, detectives have not confirmed the baby’s gender or exact age.

One local resident told reporters:

"I was told a binman who was sweeping up leaves and putting them in the bin found the body next to it.

The guy picked up the plastic bag near the bin and realised it was too heavy. It’s horrible. But you don’t know what situation the mother was in."

Police are making an urgent appeal to locate the baby’s mother, amid fears she may have given birth very recently and could be in a vulnerable or critical condition.

Superintendent Owen Renowden said:

"This is an extremely sad and shocking matter and officers are working hard to establish the circumstances around what has taken place.

Our immediate priority is to locate the baby’s mother, who we believe may have very recently given birth. If you are the baby’s mother and are reading this, please come forward to police or medical professionals.

You must feel very frightened, but please let us help – we are really worried about you and it is vitally important you get medical assistance and support. You can walk into any hospital, or a police station."

Local MP for Kensington and Bayswater, Joe Powell, also issued a statement:

"I know residents will be feeling deeply shocked and saddened about the incident on Talbot Road that took place earlier today.

I have spoken with the police and they have my full support as they work to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic situation. I encourage anyone with information to contact the police."

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101, quoting CAD 3431/25Mar. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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