£20,000 Reward Offered to Locate Parents of Three Abandoned Siblings Found Over 8 Years in London
The discovery of three abandoned siblings over an eight-year period has sparked both concern and determination to find their biological parents. The children, identified as Baby Harry (2017), Baby Roman (2019), and Baby Elsa (2024), were left in separate locations in East London but share identical DNA, indicating they have the same mother and father. Crimestoppers is offering a £20,000 reward for information leading to their parents.
Where Were They Found?
Baby Harry was found in September 2017, abandoned in a park in Plaistow. He was wrapped in a blanket and left in an area shielded by bushes.
Baby Roman was discovered in February 2019, left near the entrance of a community center in Newham. A handwritten note asking for care for him was found with him.
Baby Elsa was found in January 2024, inside a Boots shopping bag in a residential area of East London. She was wrapped in a towel, and despite the freezing conditions, she was unharmed.
What Happened to the Children?
Each child was taken into care after being discovered and has since been placed into loving homes. Baby Harry and Baby Roman have been adopted and are reportedly thriving with their new families. Baby Elsa is currently in foster care as investigations continue. Names for all three children were assigned by caregivers during their time in care. They are safe, healthy, and well-cared for, but questions about their origins remain unanswered.
The Search for the Parents
Authorities, led by Detective Inspector Jamie Humm, have been working tirelessly over the years to identify the parents. Despite extensive efforts, including DNA analysis, no matches have been found in national databases. It remains unclear whether the parents have avoided detection by staying outside the system or using false identities.
Efforts by the police include:
- Extensive DNA Testing: The children’s DNA was compared to national and international databases with no success.
- Public Appeals: Numerous appeals over the years have been made through media and local community networks, urging anyone with information to come forward.
- Investigating Local Leads: The police have focused on healthcare providers, social services, and charities in East London, hoping someone may recognize the circumstances of the births or the parents themselves.
- Crime Scene Analysis: Forensic teams carefully examined the scenes where the children were found, looking for any traces of evidence.
Why Haven’t the Parents Been Found?
The lack of DNA matches and the parents’ ability to remain undetected have raised concerns. It is possible the mother gave birth without medical assistance or in private settings, leaving no record of her pregnancies. Additionally, no one has come forward to provide information, and it is suspected that the parents may have moved frequently to avoid scrutiny.
Current Appeal
To bolster their efforts, Crimestoppers has announced a £20,000 reward for anyone who provides information leading to the parents’ identification. Police have also reiterated concerns for the mother’s well-being, as abandoning three children could suggest she is in distress or facing coercion.
Detective Inspector Humm said, “We are deeply concerned for the parents, particularly the mother, as this pattern of abandonment could indicate she has faced severe challenges over the years. We urge anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward.”
How to Help
Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact Crimestoppers anonymously via their website or by calling 0800 555 111. Alternatively, information can be provided directly to the police by calling 101 or contacting @MetCC, referencing Operation Wolcott.
This tragic yet compelling case has captivated public attention, and authorities remain hopeful that someone, somewhere, will come forward with the information needed to bring closure to the children and accountability to their parents.
