The body of a newborn baby has been found in a bag outside a church in Notting Hill, west London.
Metropolitan Police are urgently appealing for the mother to come forward “for her own welfare”.
The force said police officers and the ambulance service were called to the end of Talbot Road, on Powis Gardens, at 12.46pm on Tuesday but the baby was declared dead at the scene
The gender and exact age of the child have not yet been established.
Superintendent Owen Renowden called it an “extremely sad and shocking matter”.
He said: “This investigation is in the early stages and 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.
Mother left ‘looking over shoulder’ as son’s killer still walking free eight months after murder
Heathrow Airport reopens for some flights after fire led to ‘unprecedented’ shutdown
Man arrested on suspicion of murder after stabbing in south London
“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.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101.
Be the first to get Breaking News
Install the Sky News app for free
Read more from Sky News:
Families pay tribute to teens killed in motorbike crash
Isle of Man to become first of British Isles to legalise assisted dying
