Following the discovery of a newborn baby girl in a shopping bag in sub-zero temperatures in east London, Metropolitan Police have initiated an investigation.

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A newborn baby girl has been found wrapped in a towel inside a shopping bag in East London. A dog walker made the unsettling discovery just before 9:15 pm on Thursday, and the infant is currently safe and receiving care in a hospital.

The baby, wrapped in a towel, was found at the junction of Greenway and High Street in Newham. Concerned members of the public assisted paramedics and police who swiftly responded to the scene on one of the coldest nights of the year.

Authorities are now urging anyone with information to come forward and help locate the baby's mother, in suspect of the likelihood that she has undergone a traumatic ordeal.

Chief Superintendent Simon Crick, who leads policing in Newham, stated: "Last night we were called by a member of the public out walking their dog, who had discovered a new-born baby in a shopping bag at the junction of Greenway and High Street South, E6.

"Thinking fast, that person kept the baby girl warm until London Ambulance Service paramedics arrived and checked her over before taking her to hospital. I am delighted to report that she wasn’t injured in any way and is safe and well in the care of hospital staff.

“I am grateful to the members of the public who stayed at the scene to speak with officers and medics – your actions contributed to saving the baby’s life.

"Our thoughts now turn to the baby mother, we are extremely concerned for her welfare as she will have been through a traumatic ordeal and will be in need of immediate medical attention following the birth.

“Trained medics and specialist officers are ready to support her and we urge her to get in touch by phone or walk in to the nearest hospital or police station.

"If you are the baby’s mother please know that your daughter is well, no matter what your circumstances please do seek help by dialling 999.”

Tania Lurac, a 25-year-old restaurant manager who lives in the area, stated: "My friend came home from work at around 11pm and she told me a lot of police officers were outside with a dog and the area was closed.

"I was worried. We went outside and asked the police for more information.

"I saw a white towel on the floor. It was clothing. It did not have blood on it or anything. The baby was not in there.

"There was… I would say six to eight police officers around. There were a lot of people asking questions.

"I am just shocked."