Newborn girl less than an hour old found in shopping bag on street

Tania Iurac, a restaurant manager, said she saw a “commotion” on her walk home from work, adding the baby was left in a “really visible area”.

Ms Iruac, 25, told MailOnline: “I saw a commotion by Greenway park. We saw a white towel on the floor surrounded by six to seven police officers.

“The towel was by a red route clearway sign. But the baby and the plastic bag weren’t there.

“I think the mother wanted the baby to be found. The towel was in a really visible area next to the main road. It was absolutely freezing last night.”

Newham Council have been contacted by the Met with regards to safeguarding the child in the short term.

Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE said: “I was deeply worried to learn of last night’s discovery of a newborn baby girl found wrapped in towels on the Greenway, particularly because of the extremely cold weather we have been experiencing this week. 

“That’s why I am so relieved that this precious baby girl is being looked after and doing well in hospital. I am so grateful to the resident who called the emergency services last night, as they have literally saved a life.

“Council officers are supporting the Police with their investigations, and they are working tirelessly to find the mother as all of us are concerned for her safety and wellbeing which is paramount. 

“We are here to help, with plenty of local services available to support her with the sensitivity and care she deserves. Our thoughts are with both the mother and baby at what must be an extremely difficult time.”

The Borough of Newham council was contacted for comment.