Body of newborn baby found in Grand Union Canal - Met Police launch hunt for mother
THE body of a newborn baby has been found in a canal in north west London, police have said.
Ealing: Body of newborn baby found in canal
The Metropolitan Police said officers and paramedics were called to the Grand Union Canal near Old Oak Lane just before 1.20pm on Sunday. The baby was pronounced dead at the scene.
An urgent investigation is under way to establish the circumstances, the Met said.
The force has urged the baby's mother to "seek medical assistance" by dialling 999.
Witnesses said that dozens of police, ambulance and fire vehicles are at the scene close to an industrial estate in Park Royal.
A number of roads and pathways have been cordoned off, with police continuing to extend the area.
Officers have told people the cordons could be in place for "hours".
Emergency staff wearing diving clothing, such as wetsuits, could also be seen.
A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We were called at 1.35pm today to Old Oak Lane, NW10, to reports of a body of an infant found in the canal.
"We sent a number of resources to the scene: an incident response officer, an advanced paramedic practitioner, a clinical team manager and two ambulance crews.
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"We also dispatched our hazardous area response team.
"Sadly, an infant was confirmed to be deceased at the scene."
Eyewitness Joel told MyLondon: "This is a popular cyclist route, and police were turning lots of people away.
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Cordons are in place at the canal near Old Oak Lane NW10 where the body of a newborn baby was found in the water at 1.19pm. Investigation underway to establish circumstances. We urge the baby’s mother to seek medical assistance via 999. Anyone with info pls call 101 ref 3589/09.
— Ealing Police (@ealingMPS) May 9, 2021
"There were a lot of emergency services there, including a more specialist incident response vehicle.
"Very sad news, I didn't expect that this was what happened."
A worker at a canalside restaurant told the Evening Standard: "The police and fireman were here but I can’t say anything more."
Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting reference 3589/09.