Police appeal after foetus found in box outside hospital
Officers were called after the foetus was found inside a box
![](https://static.independent.co.uk/2023/01/26/00/69eaf2a6fc28f028cec4270f106805ddY29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNjc0NjgxNDM3-2.53330834.jpg)
Support truly
independent journalism
Our mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.
Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.
Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.
![Louise Thomas](https://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/support-us/louise-thomas.png)
Louise Thomas
Editor
A human foetus was found outside a London hospital earlier today triggering a police probe.
The discovery was made at Barnet Hospital in north London at around 9am.
Police are appealing for information amid concerns for the mother’s welfare.
Officers were called after the foetus, believed to be of around 16 weeks’ gestation, was found inside a box.
Detective Inspector Matt Coad said: “At this moment, our priority is to ensure that the mother is okay and that she receives the appropriate medical attention.
“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.”
DI Coad added: “We believe that the box was left by a man, aged in 30s, who was wearing dark clothing.
“I would also encourage him to come forward so that we can help.”
Anyone with information was urged to call police via 101 quoting reference CAD 1599/30Jan.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.