A woman has been arrested on suspicion of concealing a birth, neglect, and infanticide after a newborn baby boy was discovered dead in a carrier bag outside a church in Notting Hill, London.
The infant was found inside a Marks & Spencer bag near All Saints Church on Talbot Road. Emergency services arrived shortly before 1 pm, but the baby was tragically declared dead at the scene.
Following an extensive search, police located a woman in her thirties on Saturday. She was arrested in connection with the baby’s death and was immediately taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment, where she continues to receive care.
Authorities have confirmed that a forensic post-mortem examination will be conducted later this week to help determine the cause of death.
Superintendent Owen Renowden, who leads policing in Kensington and Chelsea, stated that officers are working tirelessly to establish the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Police believe the arrested woman is the baby’s mother, and she is being provided with the necessary support while the investigation continues. Officers have urged the public not to speculate while enquiries remain ongoing.
The discovery has deeply shocked the local community. Marcia Haynes, the deputy warden at All Saints Church, described the overwhelming scene as police arrived, saying she had never experienced anything like it in her life.
In the wake of the heartbreaking incident, tributes have been placed outside the church. Mourners have left flowers, a toy bunny, and a handwritten note under a lit candle, reading: “God bless the little baby.”
As the investigation progresses, police continue to appeal for any witnesses or those with information to come forward.
