A foetus has been discovered abandoned outside a North London hospital

It was discovered just after 9 a.m. today (Monday, January 30).

The foetus was discovered in a box outside Barnet Hospital. It was thought to be around 16 weeks into the gestation period, under 12cm tall, and likely too young to survive.

Officers are now appealing for anyone with information to come forward, with the Met treating the incident as unexplained. They are also urging the mother to come forward because she is in danger.

“At the moment, our priority is to ensure that the mother is okay and that she receives the appropriate medical attention,” Detective Inspector Matt Coad said.

“This is likely to be a traumatic time for her, and I would ask that she makes contact either with us, her local GP or a hospital. We believe the box was left by a man in his 30s wearing dark clothing. I’d also encourage him to come forward so that we can assist him.”

Anyone with information should contact police at 101 and reference CAD 1599/30Jan.