Education

Police intensify search for parents of three newborn siblings abandoned in East London over seven years

Sunday, 18 May 2025 12:27AM UTC

Authorities in East London are conducting a detailed investigation to locate the parents of three siblings, Harry, Roman and Elsa, who were abandoned separately between 2017 and 2024. Following extensive CCTV analysis and DNA testing, police have offered a £20,000 reward to aid the inquiry amid concerns for Elsa’s ongoing welfare.

Police in East London have launched an intensive search for the parents of three newborn babies abandoned between 2017 and 2024. This urgent inquiry, which has drawn significant attention, focuses on approximately 400 homes in the Plaistow and East Ham areas, where the authorities believe the parents may have lived during that time. Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford of the Metropolitan Police revealed that DNA tests confirmed the babies—Harry, Roman, and Elsa—are siblings. Notably, Elsa was found just one hour after her birth in January 2024, abandoned in a shopping bag near the Greenway footpath.

This investigation has involved the review of over 450 hours of CCTV footage, underscoring the lengths to which police are going to track down the parents. The police have now generated a comprehensive DNA profile of the children’s mother, aiming to facilitate the identification process. Authorities have offered a £20,000 reward for any information that could lead to the parents, highlighting the urgency of the situation. The two older siblings, Harry and Roman, have been successfully adopted, while Elsa remains in foster care. The delay in formal adoption procedures due to ongoing investigations has affected Elsa's well-being and her ability to have a registered birth.

In discussions surrounding the broader implications of such incidents, clinical psychologist Professor Lorraine Sherr emphasised the importance of support systems for individuals facing dire circumstances that could lead to such tragic outcomes. Speaking to concerns over abandonment, the conversation illuminated the need for addressing societal challenges and providing secure environments for children.

Meanwhile, other significant narratives unfolded in parallel on the programme that featured these discussions. Best-selling author Isabel Allende shared insights into her upcoming novel My Name is Emilia del Valle, which follows a young journalist determined to report on the civil war in Chile in 1891 while contending with the constraints of gender norms. Allende's character encapsulates a journey of resilience and self-discovery, reflecting broader themes of tenacity against societal expectations.

The episode also addressed pressing issues related to mental health, particularly the often-overlooked prevalence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among women. Jo Beazley, who received her own diagnosis at 49, discussed how symptoms often intensify during significant life changes, such as menopause. This aligns with a growing awareness that many women remain undiagnosed for decades, revealing gaps in our understanding of neurodiversity.

Another segment of the programme explored methods for enhancing children’s resilience, in response to recent governmental suggestions for educational reforms. Parenting coach Sue Atkins and child psychologist Laverne Antrobus discussed strategies for nurturing grit in young individuals, an essential skill for coping with life's pressures.

In the cultural realm, Anna Lapwood, an internationally recognised organist with a substantial social media following, recounted her experiences co-curating a special BBC Prom. Appointed as the first official ‘Organist of the Royal Albert Hall,’ she showcased her latest album Firedove, which resonates with her unique blend of classical and contemporary music styles.

Through these varied yet interconnected stories, the episode highlighted critical societal issues—from the welfare of vulnerable children to the empowerment of women in literature and beyond—inviting reflections on resilience, identity, and community support.

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Source: Noah Wire Services

More on this

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002ccfm - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckg00m1mv3eo - In January 2025, the Metropolitan Police in London launched a search for the parents of three newborn babies abandoned in East London between 2017 and 2024. DNA tests confirmed that the babies—Harry, Roman, and Elsa—are full siblings. Elsa was found in January 2024, just an hour old, in a shopping bag near the Greenway footpath. The police have reviewed over 450 hours of CCTV footage and completed a full DNA profile of the children's mother. Authorities believe the parents have been living in Plaistow or East Ham for the last six years. A £20,000 reward was offered for information leading to the parents' identification. The three children are in good health; the older two have been adopted, while Elsa remains in foster care due to the ongoing investigation. The delay in the judicial process has affected Elsa's well-being and the possibility of registering her birth, which also hinders her adoption process.
https://www.isabelallende.com/en/book/emilia/summary - Isabel Allende's novel 'My Name Is Emilia del Valle' follows Emilia, a young journalist in 19th-century San Francisco, who defies societal norms to cover the civil war in Chile in 1891. The story delves into Emilia's journey of self-discovery and her pursuit of professional fulfillment, highlighting themes of identity and resilience.
https://www.isabelallende.com/en/book/emilia/excerpt - An excerpt from Isabel Allende's 'My Name Is Emilia del Valle' introduces Emilia, a young girl in 19th-century San Francisco, who, after being abandoned by her father, grows up to become an independent and self-sufficient woman. The passage provides insight into Emilia's early life and the circumstances that shape her character.
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/773238/my-name-is-emilia-del-valle-by-isabel-allende/ - Penguin Random House's page for Isabel Allende's 'My Name Is Emilia del Valle' offers a detailed overview of the novel, including its release date, ISBN, and a brief synopsis. The book is set to be released on May 6, 2025, and is available for preorder in various formats, including hardcover, paperback, ebook, and audiobook.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002ccfm - The BBC Radio 4 programme 'Woman's Hour' features discussions on various topics, including the search for the parents of three abandoned babies in East London, Isabel Allende's latest book 'My Name Is Emilia del Valle,' ADHD in women, teaching children resilience, and Anna Lapwood's appointment as the first official 'Organist of the Royal Albert Hall.' The episode provides insights into these subjects through expert interviews and personal stories.
https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/baby-girl-found-london-related-two-other-abandoned-siblings-police-say-2024-06-04/ - In June 2024, Reuters reported that a baby girl named Elsa, found abandoned in Newham, East London, in January 2024, was identified as the third child abandoned by the same parents over the past seven years. DNA tests revealed she is the full sibling of Harry, discovered in a park in 2017, and Roman, found in a children's play area in 2019. The findings were made public when a judge granted media permission to report on the siblings. Harry and Roman have since been adopted, while Elsa, only an hour old when found, is in foster care and doing well. Authorities are working to locate and support the mother, and the children will be informed of their sibling relationship, with plans for them to have contact as they grow up.

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 8

Notes: The narrative mentions events between 2017 and 2024, specifically highlighting Elsa's discovery in January 2024, indicating recent content. However, the overall context integrates broader, ongoing societal issues.

Quotes check

Score: 6

Notes: There are no direct quotes that can be verified through online sources. While this doesn't necessarily indicate a lack of originality, it does make it difficult to confirm the authenticity of any statements made.

Source reliability

Score: 10

Notes: The narrative originates from the BBC, which is a well-established and reputable source, known for its factual reporting and rigorous editorial standards.

Plausability check

Score: 8

Notes: The claims about the abandoned babies and the ongoing investigation are plausible, given the context of police investigations and DNA profiling. However, some broader societal discussions may require additional context to fully assess their plausibility.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary: The narrative is well-supported by a reputable source, the BBC, and the recent events described are plausible. The lack of verifiable quotes is a minor issue, but overall, the information appears to be accurate and timely.

East London
Abandoned babies
Metropolitan Police
DNA profiling
Child welfare